Tooth enamel becomes thinner. In severe cases, the enamel covering is completely worn away. Dentin can be dissolved by acidic oral fluids. Teeth with only a fragile enamel shell may result. These teeth are easily chipped or broken.
Many older adults wear dentures or partial dentures.
Unfortunately, patients with dentures do not often make regular dental visits. Ill-fitting dentures can be a serious problem. Satisfaction with dentures depends largely on the ability of the remaining ridges in your mouth to provide the necessary support. The gum tissue covering the ridge becomes thinner and is more easily irritated. The rigid dentures become progressively less adapted to the ridges in the mouth.