We all know that our bodies change as we get older — and our smiles are no exception. Teeth may not look or feel the same at 60 as they did at 20, but that doesn’t mean you have to give up on having a healthy, confident smile. At Skypointe Dental in Calgary NE, we believe your smile should serve you well at every stage of life.

In this article, we’ll look at how aging naturally affects your teeth and gums, and what dentistry can do to keep your smile strong, comfortable, and vibrant.

Why Our Smiles Change as We Age

Aging is a natural process, and just like our skin and joints, our teeth and gums go through changes over time. Some of the most common include:

• Enamel wear – Years of chewing, grinding, and exposure to acidic foods can thin enamel, making teeth appear more yellow or worn down.
• Gum recession – Gums can slowly pull back, exposing the roots of teeth and making them more sensitive.
• Shifting teeth – Teeth may drift out of alignment due to bone changes, tooth loss, or natural shifting.
• Discoloration – Thinner enamel and lifestyle factors (coffee, tea, red wine, smoking) can make teeth appear darker.

These changes are normal, but they don’t have to mean discomfort or embarrassment. With modern dentistry, there are many safe, effective ways to manage them.

Daily Habits That Help Protect Your Smile

The good news is that small, consistent habits can make a big difference in maintaining oral health as you age. Some tips we share with our Calgary NE patients include:

• Brush with care – Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste twice daily. Over-brushing with hard bristles can worsen enamel wear and gum recession.
• Don’t skip flossing – Cleaning between teeth helps prevent cavities and gum disease, which are more common as we age.
• Stay hydrated – Saliva helps protect teeth, but many older adults experience dry mouth due to medications or health conditions. Drinking water throughout the day helps.
• Watch your diet – Sugary and acidic foods speed up enamel loss. A diet rich in vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins supports oral and overall health.
• Regular dental visits – Professional checkups and cleanings allow us to spot problems early, when they’re easiest to treat.

Dental Care Options for Aging Smiles

Dentistry offers a wide range of services to help patients maintain or restore their smiles. These treatments don’t “turn back the clock” — but they can support comfort, function, and confidence.

Preventive Care

Prevention is always the best medicine, especially as we age. Treatments may include:

• Professional cleanings to remove tartar and plaque
• Fluoride treatments to strengthen enamel
• Sealants (in certain cases) to protect vulnerable areas from decay

Cosmetic Options

If you’d like your smile to look brighter or more even, cosmetic dentistry can help:

• Whitening: Professional whitening treatments are safe, effective, and tailored to your needs.
• Bonding: Tooth-colored resin can repair chips, cracks, or uneven edges.
• Veneers: Thin porcelain shells can improve the appearance of teeth in a minimally invasive way.

Restorative Treatments

When wear or tooth loss affects function, restorative care can provide lasting solutions:

• Crowns: Protect and strengthen teeth that are cracked, worn, or weakened.
• Implants or bridges: Replace missing teeth with natural-looking, functional alternatives.
• Dentures: Full or partial dentures remain a reliable option for restoring many teeth at once.

Gum Health and Comfort in Later Years

Your gums are just as important as your teeth. As we age, gum issues can become more common.

• Gum recession may cause sensitivity or root exposure.
• Dry mouth (xerostomia) is often linked to medications, making cavities more likely.
• Gum disease can progress more quickly without proper care, leading to discomfort and even tooth loss.

If you experience sore, bleeding, or receding gums, don’t ignore the signs. Gentle periodontal care and targeted treatments can make a big difference.

Confidence at Every Age

Your smile is more than just teeth and gums — it’s a reflection of your health and confidence. Aging may bring changes, but with the right care, you can continue to smile proudly.

At Skypointe Dental, we provide personalized care for every stage of life. Whether you need preventive support, cosmetic improvements, or restorative treatments, our Calgary NE team is here to help you feel comfortable and confident in your smile.

Final Thoughts

Aging affects everyone differently, but one thing stays the same: your oral health matters at every age. By combining healthy habits at home with professional dental care, you can enjoy a smile that looks and feels great for years to come.

👉 Ready to talk about your smile? Book an appointment with Skypointe Dental in Calgary NE today, and let’s create a care plan that fits your needs.

Things break all the time. Yes, even dentures!

If you have broken or damaged dentures, try not to worry. Your dentist can easily repair your dentures for you and have you back to your regular life in no time. 

However, if you’re a bit pinched for time or unable to get to your dentist, you can perform a temporary repair at home. Always make sure to see your dentist, even with a temporary repair, to ensure your dentures are functioning properly. 

Do My Dentures Need Fixing?

Dentures can last up to 10 years with the proper care. However, even the most durable dentures will need to be replaced eventually. 

Even if your dentures don’t need to be repaired or replaced, visiting your dentist regularly can help protect your oral health and ensure your dentures are functioning properly. 

If your dentures have damage, such as chipping or cracking, or your dentures have physically broken, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist right away. Additionally, if you notice your dentures feel loose or uncomfortable in your mouth, contact your dentist for an appointment.

While the best course of action is to see your dentist, you can do a temporary fix at home on your dentures while you wait to see your dentist.

Causes of Broken Dentures

Dentures can break for many reasons. Whether it’s general wear and tear or a case of the butterfingers (it happens to all of us), dentures can break. Don’t beat yourself up, it’s very common and generally quick for your dentist to fix. 

Getting your dentures fixed sooner rather than later is important not only for your comfort, but to prevent sores, irritation, and other oral health issues.

Temporarily Fix Your Dentures at Home

You can temporarily fix your dentures at home. 

It’s incredibly important that you call your dentist as soon as you can to get your dentures repaired properly. These temporary fixes are okay for a day or 2, but the sooner you can get your dentures fixed the right way, the more comfortable you’ll be. 

Denture Repair Kits

Most drug and grocery stores carry denture repair kits. These kits may be marketed as permanent solutions, but it’s still very important for your oral health to get your dentures professionally repaired or replaced.

These kits usually come with a few tools and glue to help fix your dentures. You can view this video for some visual help in fixing your dentures.

Other Methods

In a real emergency, you could try super glue to fix your broken dentures. Super glue can keep your dentures together for a few days if you’re unable to get to your dentist. 

When you apply the glue to your dentures, be sure to let the glue dry fully. Super glue can be slightly toxic, which is why you must be careful to let it dry. You shouldn’t eat with your dentures if you’ve used super glue, either. 

How To Prevent Denture Damage

While denture wear and tear is inevitable, you can practice a few habits to keep your dentures looking and functioning their best.

• Always store your dentures in clean, warm water
• Use a towel over your sink/counter when cleaning your dentures
• Clean your dentures every day 
• Never use hot or boiling water on your dentures 
• Always rinse your dentures thoroughly after eating

If you find your dentures are breaking or becoming damaged more regularly, you may want to consult with your dentist about other options. Advancements in dental technology have created more options for patients who need dentures or dental implants. 

Implant-supported dentures could be a more lifestyle-friendly option if you find your dentures always seem to need fixing. Contact our office to learn more about your options. 

Get Your Dentures Fixed ASAP

Broken or damaged dentures? We can help. Give us a call today to get your dentures repaired ASAP.