18735801_lAging affects all aspects of physical health, including your teeth and gums. As you age, the probability of losing your natural teeth increases. Many seniors rely on partial or full dentures to maintain their daily activities. Managing the shifts in your teeth and their arrangement can help ensure a healthy smile for years to come.

Receding gum lines are a common problem impacting seniors. The gum line recedes slowly over time, similar to the hairline. For women, fluctuations in hormone levels are to blame. Puberty, pregnancy and menopause can all impact the structure of your teeth. While the changes are gradual, they can impact your oral health over time. Therefore, it is important to continue visiting your dentist to monitor any changes.

Periodontal infections and bacterial infections can also result in changes to your gum line. Both of these infections can decrease gum tissue and weaken the supporting bone. However, periodontal disease can be treated with the proper care and procedures.

There are also several other causes of gum disease. Gum disease and recession are genetic and passed down through families. It can also be caused by overly aggressive brushing. Gentle brushing twice a day can help to remove plaque and preserve the integrity of your gums. Crooked or misaligned teeth can also leave you vulnerable to gum disease. Excess force on the gum and bones as well as damage from brushing and flossing can be other factors in gum recession.

Tobacco use causes a decline in your overall oral health and contributes to a host of issues. Using smoked or chewed tobacco dries the saliva that balances pH levels, introduces harmful bacteria, stains your teeth, contributes to gum recession and increases your risk of oral cancers.

While there is no way to completely prevent the gum recession that comes with aging, eliminating the contributing factors can help to preserve your gums and keep them healthy. When you are facing gum recession and natural tooth loss, the trained professionals at Ocoee Oral Surgery can provide dental implants to restore your smile to its former glory and lessen the impact on daily activities, such as eating and talking. Dental implants preserve your natural teeth while preventing shifting and further gum loss.

If you feel that dental implants are the correct choice for you, please contact the team at Ocoee Oral Surgery.