While cavities are often associated with children, the American Dental Association reports that your risk for cavities increases with your age. One reason why is because dry mouth is known to cause cavities. Dry mouth is a common side-effect for a variety of prescriptions to treat the chronic conditions that many of us face over time. It’s important to ask your doctor about your risk for dry mouth so you can prevent the cavity-related problems before they start.

In addition to the increased risk of inflammation, cavities, and infections, the structure of our mouth and teeth changes as we age. As dental arches (the crescent shape) of the upper and lower jaw narrows, our teeth get more crowded leading to less facial support. The crowding process typically begins in our 30s and 40s and can lead to a variety of complications down the road.

Gum recession is particularly common among adults due to inadequate hygiene habits. Inflammation and gum disease can develop as a result of poor cleaning routines and eventually lead to gum recession. Brushing with a soft bristle twice a day as well as flossing daily can greatly reduce your risk of receding gums.

The biggest take-away is that maintaining your oral health plays a big part in your general health and vice-versa. Regular visits to your dental office are the best defense against age-related dental problems. Catching potential problems in their earliest stages allows for better management (and less costly solutions) for many complications.

And even though we’ve all heard it over the years, brushing twice a day and flossing daily has a huge impact on our oral health. No matter what dental issues you may be facing through the years, it’s important to know that there’s always a place to go for help. It’s never too late to have a great smile!