I turned 40 in 1999.
At the time, I felt pretty much the same as I did at 30. Maybe a little slower on the tennis court, sure. But otherwise? Fine.
Looking back now, I realize that’s when everything started to shift—but the change was subtle.
My gums started receding. My teeth became more sensitive. Recovery from workouts took longer. Sleep became more elusive.
And I had a choice: ignore it and hope for the best, or start paying attention to what my body actually needed.
I chose the latter. I listened to my body. I adjusted. I experimented. And now, at 66, I’ve got more energy than I did at 40. And it’s made all the difference.
You can’t just get veneers or dentures one day and call it good.
Because oral health isn’t just cosmetic. It’s systemic.
It reflects your:
- Inflammation levels
- Cardiovascular risk
- Sleep quality
- Metabolic health
- Brain resilience
And the shift usually starts around 40.
What shifts after 40? Three major things:
1. Your Oral Microbiome Shifts—And Takes Your Health With It
Your mouth hosts over 700 species of bacteria. Some protect you. Others trigger inflammation, cavities, and disease.
After 40, that balance starts to shift. Why?
- Saliva production drops
- Mouth breathing becomes more common
- Antibiotic use
- Antiseptic mouthwash wipes out good bacteria
This microbial imbalance isn’t just about your teeth. It fuels systemic inflammation—which accelerates everything from brain fog to cardiovascular decline.
One critical loss: nitrate-reducing bacteria. These bugs help your body convert dietary nitrate into nitric oxide—a molecule essential for blood pressure, blood flow, and mitochondrial health.
Less nitric oxide = stiffer arteries, slower recovery, and aging that hits harder.
What I Do About It:
- Never use antiseptic mouthwash – Not Listerine, not peroxide, not essential oil rinses. They destroy your microbiome.
- Tongue scrape daily (I recommend stainless steel like this one) – Removes biofilm without disrupting good bacteria.
- Vitamin D3 + K2 (this one) – D3 supports immune function and gum tissue, K2 directs calcium to bones and teeth instead of arteries. I never take D3 without K2 as well for this reason.
- CoQ10 (this one) – Your gums, just like all living cells, contain mitochondria. After 40, production drops (plummets on statins). Gum tissue depends on healthy mitochondrial function, especially during inflammation and healing.
- Turmeric (this one) – I take mine with breakfast—eggs and olive oil—or with dinner, always alongside fat for better absorption. Makes sure you take one that includes curcumin plus piperine, and that it’s third-party tested for purity. (Read my past newsletter on turmeric here)
- Digestive Enzymes (these ones) – After 40, you absorb fewer nutrients from food. I use a broad-spectrum enzyme with meals to improve mineral uptake—for bones, teeth, and gums.
- Glycine + NAC (this powder) – These amino acids are precursors to glutathione, your body’s master antioxidant. I stir them into water every morning.
- Pentadecanoic acid (C15:0) (this one) – This odd-chain saturated fat supports cell membrane integrity and helps modulate inflammation. It’s emerging science, but I find it promising.
- Nitric oxide mints (these ones) — These support your nitrate-reducing oral bacteria to replenish nitric oxide. I use them before workouts or in the evening to support blood flow and vascular tone.
2. Your Mouth Dries Out (Especially at Night)
Saliva neutralizes acid, delivers minerals, and balances your oral microbiome. Without it? Cavities explode.
I have seen it many times: a cavity-free patient hits 45 and suddenly gets 4–5 new ones. Almost always tied to mouth breathing, snoring, or dry mouth at night.
What I Do About It:
- Mouth tape every night – Maintains nasal breathing and protects saliva flow. My grandson does too (but always speak with your pediatrician/myofunctional therapist/ENT if you mouth tape kids)
- Chew xylitol gum after every meal (ideally one that’s microplastic-free) – Stimulates saliva, neutralizes pH, reduces cavity bacteria. 5g daily could reduce cavities by up to 70%.
- Take magnesium (this one) – Supports salivary gland function, deep sleep, and helps your body use vitamin D.
- Track your sleep (I use an Oura ring) – Shows early signs of breathing disruption before it cascades. I check mine every morning.
- Address sleep apnea immediately – If you snore, a mandibular advancement device can keep your airway open. Find a provider through the Functional Dentist Directory or AADSM.org.
Sleep is so critical that I wrote an entire book on it—The 8-Hour Sleep Paradox. It connects the dots between sleep, breathing, and longevity.
3. Your Gums Start Receding (And Bleeding More Easily)
Why it happens after 40:
- Collagen production drops
- Inflammation increases (especially during perimenopause)
- Your immune system slows down
- Dry mouth becomes more common
What I Do About It:
- Switch to a sonic toothbrush (I use this one) – Sonic brushes reach exposed root surfaces better and are gentler on receding gums than oscillating brushes. Only buy genuine Sonicare heads—knock-offs can damage enamel.
- Use nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste (this one) which doesn’t contain surfactants that dry out the oral mucosa
- Take Omega-3 daily – Most Americans have an omega ratio of 20:1 when it should be 4:1. That drives inflammation everywhere. I take 2-3g of EPA/DHA daily.
- Add collagen peptides (grass-fed) – Supports the connective tissue in your gums and the ligaments holding your teeth.
- Creatine monohydrate (I take this one) – Supports gum healing, muscle strength (including jaw muscles), and brain energy metabolism. Production declines after 40—especially in women and low-meat diets.
Remember: you cannot out-brush or out-floss these problems.
They’re not hygiene issues. They’re metabolic, nutritional, and systemic issues that happen to show up in your mouth first.
The science has evolved. I wasn’t taking C15:0 or NAC in 1999 (and I certainly wasn’t using a microbiome-friendly toothpaste—it simply didn’t exist), because we didn’t know what we know now.
But that’s the beauty of the wisdom that comes with age (if we are so fortunate): we know better, so we do better.
What changes have you noticed in your mouth after 40? Hit reply—I love learning from your experiences.
– Mark
P.S. If you’re over 40 and dealing with cavities despite good hygiene, chronic gum inflammation, sensitivity, or bleeding gums—please book a consultation with a dentist who’s thinking “big picture.” Find one through the Functional Dentist Directory or on AADSM.org.
These issues don’t resolve on their own. But with the right care, they’re absolutely manageable—and often reversible.