Common Dental Concerns for Older Adults

Aging introduces a wide range of changes for your body. That extends to your mouth. The older you get, the higher your likelihood of dealing with issues like cavities and gum problems. 

A lot of dental problems build slowly over time and tend to show up later in life. But added risk comes from certain health conditions that become more prevalent with age. Problems like diabetes and high blood pressure are linked to oral health issues. 

That doesn’t mean you have to sit idly by and let time take its toll on your mouth. At Central Avenue Dental, our providers can apply their dentistry expertise to help you defend against the problems that often plague older adults. 

For your convenience, we offer care from our offices in Midtown Manhattan, New York City, and Valley Stream, New York. Here are some dental concerns we often address with our older patients.

1. Dry mouth

As you get older, your risk of dry mouth increases. Medications, health conditions, and dehydration all play a role. 

Less saliva might not seem like a big deal, but your spit plays a significant role in your oral health. It’s your mouth’s natural defense system. Dry mouth increases your risk for cavities and gum disease. 

Drinking more water, avoiding tobacco and alcohol, and putting a humidifier in your room can all help fight dry mouth and avoid oral health problems like the ones we’re about to cover. 

2. Tooth decay and loss

As the average American adult gets older, the number of teeth they have remaining declines. Aging increases your risk for edentulism (tooth loss).

A large part of this problem stems from the fact that tooth decay takes time. If you catch it early, a simple filling can usually stop decay in its tracks. 

If the bacteria behind the decay have more time to eat away at your tooth, you might need more involved treatment like a root canal. Eventually, your tooth may be beyond saving.

Don’t let time beat you. To fight against tooth decay and loss, schedule regular exams and cleanings with our team. (And if you do find yourself without your teeth, don’t hesitate to talk to us about dentures.)

3. Gum disease 

Don’t ignore red, puffy, or otherwise irritated gums. If your gums bleed when you floss, it’s a sign you might be dealing with gum disease. And you’re not alone. Gum diseases (gingivitis and periodontitis) are common in older adults. 

If gum disease progresses, it causes your gums to pull away from your teeth. That allows bacteria access to more of your tooth and can eventually lead to tooth loss. 

Regular dental exams give our team the chance to check your gums. If we see signs of gum disease, we work with you to reverse it. In early stages, that usually just means diligent brushing and flossing. If it’s advanced, you may need scaling and root planing, which we provide. 

Don’t let time take its toll on your mouth. To keep your teeth and gums healthy through the years, make regular trips to our office most convenient to you. Call Central Avenue Dental or book your appointment online today.