Your smile tells the story of your life, but aging doesn’t have to mean compromising your oral health

As we age, our bodies undergo numerous changes, and our oral health is no exception. The Federal Interagency Forum on Aging-Related Statistics projects that by the year 2030, the number of U.S. adults 65 years or older will reach 72 million, representing nearly 20% of the total U.S. population. With this growing demographic, understanding how aging affects oral health becomes increasingly crucial for maintaining quality of life and overall well-being.

The Unique Oral Health Challenges Seniors Face

Contrary to popular belief, age in and of itself is not a dominant or sole factor in determining oral health. However, several age-related factors create unique challenges for seniors. Dental conditions associated with aging include dry mouth (xerostomia), root and coronal caries, and periodontitis, with approximately 18% of adults aged 65 years or older with retained natural teeth have untreated caries while 68% of these patients have periodontitis.

One of the most significant challenges is dry mouth, which affects approximately 30% of the population 65 years and older. Although dry mouth is not a normal consequence of aging, the affliction is particularly common among the elderly, partly because nine out of 10 people over the age of 65 take medications. More than 500 drugs can cause dry mouth, including those used to treat heart problems, allergies, cancer and anxiety.

The Serious Health Implications

Poor oral health in seniors extends far beyond dental discomfort. Research has shown that gum inflammation (gingivitis) raises the risk for lung disease, heart disease, blood vessel blockage, and strokes. Even more concerning, tooth loss from gum disease (periodontitis) may raise your risk of dementia, with older adults who had lost more than one tooth having an almost 50% higher risk of developing cognitive impairment and a 28% higher risk of being diagnosed with dementia.

The impact on daily life can be devastating. When there’s not enough saliva, dentures can become loose, lips can become cracked and mouth sores can develop. In severe cases, chewing and swallowing can become nearly impossible. This can lead to nutritional deficiencies and social isolation as eating becomes difficult and embarrassing.

Essential Dental Care Tips for Seniors

Maintain a Consistent Daily Routine

To maintain good dental health as they age, older adults should see their dentist every six months for check-ups and cleanings. In between, they should follow a daily dental hygiene routine of rinsing, brushing, and flossing to reduce plaque buildup, gingivitis, and cavities.

The basic routine should include:

Brush at least twice a day for no less than two minutes each time
Choose a toothpaste with the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance, which verifies it contains decay- and plaque-fighting fluoride
Floss your teeth every day
After brushing, you can rinse again with an over-the-counter alcohol-free mouthwash with fluoride, which can help protect against tooth decay

Adapt to Physical Limitations

Certain medical conditions, such as arthritis in the hands and fingers, may make brushing or flossing teeth difficult to impossible to perform. Fortunately, there are solutions: Modification of manual toothbrush handles (e.g., with Velcro® straps or attaching a bicycle handlebar grip) or use of an electronic toothbrush with a wide, grippable handle can help accommodate for lost mobility. Floss holders or interdental cleaners/brushes can aid in cleaning between teeth.

Address Dry Mouth Proactively

Managing dry mouth is crucial for senior oral health. Strategies to improve oral moisture include increasing fluid intake, saliva substitutes, xylitol gum, sucking on mints or candy, and adjusting or discontinuing xerogenic medications. If you have dry mouth, check with your medical provider to see if any of the medications you are taking may be making your dry mouth worse.

Professional Dental Care Considerations

For seniors in the Albany area, finding a Dentist, Albany who understands the unique needs of older adults is essential. All older adults should have a dental cleaning performed by a dental hygienist and an oral health assessment by their dentist at least twice a year.

Increasing the frequency of dental cleanings and examinations can help promote optimal maintenance of oral hygiene for seniors who may struggle with at-home care. Professional care becomes even more critical when considering that dental cavities occur in older adults nearly twice as often as they do in younger adults, and as many as 64 percent of older adults in the United States have moderate or severe periodontitis, compared with less than 38 percent for younger people.

Special Considerations for Seniors with Medical Conditions

It’s especially important to take care of your teeth and gums if you have a health condition like diabetes or heart disease — or if you’re taking medicines that can cause oral health problems. If you have replacement heart valves or prosthetic joints, you need to be particularly careful about your oral hygiene to prevent the risk of serious infections.

Stroke and dementia can lead to deterioration in self-care ability, resulting in the need for assistance in carrying out basic daily living activities. Studies have reported that people with dementia often present with poor oral hygiene, gingival bleeding, periodontal pockets, mucosal lesions, and reduced salivary flow.

Prevention is Key

Like other aspects of health care, prevention is the best medicine when it comes to your teeth and gums. “Investing in proper dental care and upkeep is relatively inexpensive,” says Dr. Brennan. “Dental treatments are where it can get costly.”

Additional preventive measures include:

Eat healthy and cut down on sugary foods and drinks. This can help prevent tooth decay — and it’s good for your overall health
Don’t smoke or use other tobacco products. Smoking cigarettes, chewing tobacco, or using snuff puts you at higher risk for oral cancer
Ask your dentist about prescription-strength fluoride mouth rinses and fluoride varnishes if you have a history of tooth decay

The Bottom Line

With the right home care and help from your dental team, it is possible to keep your teeth for life. Gum disease and tooth decay can be prevented whatever your age. The key is understanding that poor oral health is not an inevitable consequence of aging, and a proactive, multidisciplinary approach to early intervention can make all the difference.

Regular professional care, adapted home care routines, and attention to the unique challenges that come with aging can help ensure that your golden years are filled with healthy smiles. Remember, your oral health is a window into your overall health, and maintaining it should be a priority at every stage of life.