Baby Boomer Teeth

If you were born between 1943 and 1964 you have Baby Boomer Teeth.

 *Baby Boomer generation refers to a Boom in birthrates following World War II.

 Baby Boomers are aging and their dental needs are changing.

As this generation is transitioning from adults to seniors, tooth cavities can be more frequent.A few causes for an increase in tooth decay may include:

  • Retirement may have you traveling more or at the cottage where there is less exposure to fluoride in the water supply, which could lead to decay.
  • Fillings from your twenties or thirties are likelier to have decay. 30 year-old-fillings may be loose and worn or tooth changes can cause decay around the filling.
  • Cavities in the tooth root are more common as gum tissue begins to recede in older adults, exposing the tooth root surface to decay.
  • Dry mouth can result from the natural aging process, certain medications and diseases can lead to more tooth decay as well. Without an adequate amount of saliva, food particles can’t be washed away and the acids produced by plaque can’t be neutralized.
  • Reduction in tooth enamel may cause dental problems.

 

To keep your Smile working for you in your retirement, keep up with your dental visits. When you retire, company health benefits could stop and you might be less inclined to visit the dentist. Some dental coverage may be provided from government plans, so be sure to check if you qualify.