Today, changing dietary habits play a major role in the wearing down of teeth. The widespread consumption of acidic beverages and the increase in carbohydrate consumption, especially sugar and sugary foods, can be counted among the factors that negatively affect dental health. Even in the most well-kept mouth, which is regularly brushed, flossed, and always under the supervision of a dentist, wear and flattening are inevitable due to daily sinless chewing. Changes such as abrasions, erosions, physiological gingival recessions that result in the thinning of the enamel tissue over time may occur in the teeth that participate in chewing functions for a lifetime, and condensation in the colors of the teeth can be seen with the effect of chemical factors.
Teeth are not always produced and renewed organs like hair or nails in the body. They occur only twice in a lifetime: primary and permanent dentition. Teeth that complete their formation at the age of 12-14 will be used for a lifetime without being renewed. Only 4 teeth formed at the age of twenties join the previously formed 28 teeth, completing the total of the teeth to 32. While the average human lifespan was around 30 years old until the Middle Ages, it reaches 80-90 years old today. In other words, while teeth always served people for 15-20 years, this period increased to 65-70 years in the following years. Moreover, the fact that the use of sugary desserts, pastries, bactericidal acids and food dyes added to foods has taken their place in daily life in recent centuries causes the teeth to wear out more during the extended human lifespan. During this period, it is inevitable for the teeth to decay, wear, intensify color, shorten their length, cracks and fractures.
Aging will occur in the form of stages in the teeth throughout human life.
In childhood, the tips of the teeth have tiny serrations and the transparent part is quite a lot.
In youth, the serrations have decreased, but the transparency, that is, the enamel, is still in place. Due to some drugs used until this period or disruption of daily care, discoloration and yellowing of the teeth occur. Teeth whitening, composite lamination and aesthetic fillings can make the appearance as pleasant as before.
At the beginning of adulthood, wear, discoloration and loss of teeth begin to happen to more people. In this period, the landscape can be restored thanks to whitening, composite lamination, and aesthetic porcelain laminates.
During adulthood, the appearance of the teeth has changed a lot in most of this cluster. The loss of color and size in the teeth is now disturbing. Since it is a very time-consuming and slow process to come to this state, the person is mostly unaware of this situation. Often, when they look at their old photos, have them taken close up photos, or warn their old friends or dentists, they realize that their teeth don’t look as healthy as they used to. In this period, gingival disorders, sensitivities and tooth loss are common along with aesthetic losses. Tooth displacement is also a common problem. These can be removed with a few fillings that are easy to remove, or they may be necessary until all mouth repairs. The situation is determined by the individual’s own needs.
In old age, tooth loss, shortening of their length, crowding or spacing, sensitive surfaces, gingival recessions, yellowed color, a worn smile border are inevitable. Even if the teeth have been strictly controlled and there is no pain until this period, various repairs are necessary to restore function and improve the view. Considering the social position and budget of the person, a need may arise from an easy denture to applications such as whole mouth porcelain or implant-supported prostheses.
Regardless of the condition of the mouth and the age of the patient, it should not be forgotten that one-to-one teeth will be used for a long life, and all necessary precautions should be taken to prolong their life.
What kind of processes can be done to strengthen the teeth in case of aging?
First of all, it is worth mentioning the value of regular six-month dental check-ups. After the examination, the dentist will determine the most appropriate treatment for the individual according to the extent and etiology of the wear and will prevent the problem before it occurs in many cases. For example, it is possible to keep recessions in the gums under control with routine examinations. Bruxism (clenching) is a very common and tooth-eroding habit. Damage to the teeth can be prevented by the use of night plaque and some relaxing drugs.
If the change is only in the form of discoloration, the tooth can be returned to its usual color with whitening systems. However, in many cases, it is seen together with other problems such as discoloration, enamel abrasions, gingival recession, and neck cavities. In such cases, whitening may not be enough, thin ceramic laminates attached to the front surfaces of the teeth can be used to restore the lost function and aesthetics. This application, which requires sensitive work and experience, provides satisfactory results thanks to the developing bonding technologies. In these processes, the ones made without wearing any teeth should be preferred. For this, a truly equipped physician and laboratory are needed.