4 serious warning signs my dentist doesn’t want 40+ women to Ignore
This turbulent year has resulted in many a delayed, or even skipped, dental appointment (me included). Not good, warns Dr Melissa Giddings who reminds us that as we age our teeth are ageing too (naturally, of course, but with so much focus on our skin it’s not always top of mind).
Twice yearly checkups will go a long way in preventing painful and costly repair when a problem has been ignored for too long.
Here are Dr Melissa’s top 4 conditions to be mindful of and what can be done:
Problem: Crooked teeth: As well as neglecting daily oral hygiene, crooked teeth is the other main cause of gum disease which is the leading cause of heart attacks as well as early loss of teeth.
Solution: Some people are more prone to gum disease than others and if this is you, visits for professional cleaning may be advised quarterly rather than bi-annually. Some thought should also be put into the concept of straightening teeth. Our teeth have a tendency to crowd at the front as we get older. Clear aligners, which are like a thin mouthguard, act in a similar way as traditional braces to correct the crowding. Straight teeth are far easier to keep clean leading to a large decrease in the likelihood of gum disease appearing or progressing. Generally aligner treatment takes about 6 months and is quite popular with people of every age to improve and enhance their smile.
Problem: Worn teeth: By the time we reach our 40s we are often at the stage where we are noticing some wear on our teeth and cracks may also be appearing—either in our teeth or around old fillings we may have. The earlier this wear and cracks can be addressed the better! Preventing the wear progression will ensure you maintain your teeth as well as preventing costly dental visits and treatment in the future. Our busy lives are leading to more people grinding, clenching and presenting to their dentist with broken or cracked teeth and potential jaw pain. The sooner you can get your teeth assessed in relation to the wear, the simpler it is to amend.
Solution: Treatment may include replacement of old amalgam or white flings with ceramic (tooth coloured) crowns to prevent further destruction and potential loss of the tooth. Another suggestion from your dentist may be the investment in a night guard to decrease the pressure exerted on our teeth at night through clenching and grinding. Worn teeth can be built back up so that the wear does not increase, instead placing onus on the filling material protecting the tooth rather than the actual tooth surface. It is said that worn teeth, particular lower teeth can age a person by 5 years so addressing this early, or at any stage, will not only increase the longevity of your teeth but make your smile look younger too.
Problem: Stained teeth: Common causes include coffee, red wine and smoking but it’s just as likely to occur if you are someone who has health drinks and foods like turmeric and green tea. Darkening or staining around fillings may be an indicator that your fillings are leaking and need to be assessed and potentially changed by your dentist.
Solution: Regular at-home maintenance, particularly ensuring you are brushing your teeth every night before bed will help decrease staining. Whitening is one of the best options to reverse the effects of yellowing teeth. There are many options and different types of strength and ways to bleach your teeth depending on your individual tooth condition. Professional whitening solutions are able to deliver a more predictable result due to the strength of the product that can be used however, there are also a number of over-the-counter products that may lighten your teeth by 1 or 2 shades.
Problem: Changes in lips, cheeks, tongue or gums: The chance of oral cancer increases significantly with age and while rarely discussed, is the 7th most common cancer in Australia. More than 5000 diagnoses were made in 2020 including 1448 females. Early detection is the key to treatment and survival.
Solution: Some dentists also have a special light that penetrates the oral mucosa so that they can see any changes happening below the surface of your gums or tongue or cheeks. Your dentist will generally perform an oral cancer check at your check-up and clean appointment but If they don’t tell you they have, ask if they can so if any changes occur they are noticed early on.
Follow Dr Melissa @strikingsmiledentistry
NOTE: “I’m not paid to endorse these products (or treatments), I only recommend products I believe in and know that work. If any of my content is in partnership with a beauty client I’ll tell you - full transparency here! And I will only work with sponsors to promote products that I have personally tried and loved. If I don’t love it and believe it works for women 40+ I just won’t recommend it.”
