Tell Grampa To Watch His Sweets

While most people associate tooth decay with children who have a fondness for sweets, cavities may also be a problem for those approaching middle age and beyond.
The reason for this is that gums begin to recede as we get older. This leads to exposure of vulnerable tooth roots, which do not have the benefit of an enamel coating to protect fluoride. Moreover, many older people have reduced secretions of saliva, which affords natural protection against tooth decay. So, to protect aging teeth against “senile decay,” older patients are urged to ask their dentists about possible fluoride applications, as well as ways to improve saliva flow.

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