If you think that cavities are solely associated with children, think again! You may have made it through your younger years cavity-free, but it doesn’t mean that you are 100% safe from those painful decay formations.

Cavities & Aging

While cavities seem to be most prevalent in children, they truly can occur at any age. According to Judith Jones, a general dentistry professor at Boston University, “it is as much of a problem in seniors as it is in kids.”

This is in part due to the rise in dental health education and technological advances over the past half a century, which have resulted in more people keeping their natural teeth longer. This puts them at a greater risk for dental decay as they age.

If left untreated or uncared for, cavities can lead to extreme discomfort and aches. But what is the root of this problem? Are there certain things we can do at every age to prevent these from occurring?

Preventing Cavities

The first thing that we can try to adjust is our diet: Limit your sugar intake to dodge the corrosive effects of glucose. Avoid sticky foods such as dried fruit or caramels to reduce plaque and tartar build-up in your mouth. Decrease your dose of acidic foods such as citrus fruits to ensure your teeth will stay in good condition for many years to come. Note that conditions such as dry mouth and recessed gums need to be brought to the attention of your dentist, as these too could put you at a higher risk for cavities!

Attempting to ward off cavities from forming may seem like a daunting task to keep up with, but we want to sustain our natural smiles for as long as possible. Remember to brush two to three times a day, floss regularly, and maintain yearly dental appointments— it is essential to your dental health whether you are 6 or 96! Cavities can form at any age, so take action now to prevent and preserve!

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