When it comes to oral health, women in particular, face a multitude of challenges from plaque to past dental work needing repair. How they care for their teeth can affect their overall health. Women’s teeth are constantly under strain, according to Drs. Robert and Mandy Shearer at Soddy Daisy Smiles.
Drs. Robert and Mandy Shearer.“As we age, our salivary glands tend to produce less saliva. This can also be seen with hormone changes and many medications,” Dr. Mandy said. “This loss of saliva can cause tooth decay, bad breath, and dry mouth. These changes can cause women to require more dental visits to prevent disease as well as careful planning with the dental team to keep their mouth healthy. Regular exams and X-rays find concerns before they become large, costly problems and well before they hurt.”
After all, biting, chewing, talking, and general aging can affect the look and function of anyone’s pearly whites. While the following conditions are common for women, they can all be prevented with proper care.
Tooth Decay
Also referred to as dental caries or cavities, tooth decay occurs when the bacteria in plaque settles on the teeth and slowly destroys the enamel to form holes. While a woman’s lifestyle and oral health routine determine the likelihood that she’ll develop decay, older women experience it more frequently due to the vulnerability of their enamel, which weakens over time.