Dental problems are common in older adults. As people age, their teeth can start to have more issues. While aging brings wisdom, it can also lead to more oral health problems.
Many seniors deal with dry mouth, which can lead to more cavities as they age. Dry mouth isn’t a natural part of aging but can happen due to medications. Seniors often take multiple medications, increasing the chances of dry mouth.
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is common among people over 60. It’s caused by bacteria in plaque (a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth when leftover food particles and saliva mix in the mouth) that irritate the gums, making them swollen, red, and prone to bleeding. Gum disease doesn’t usually cause pain in its early stages, making it easy to miss and ignore. If left untreated, gum disease can severely damage oral health. As it progresses, it causes gums to pull away from teeth and roots, creating pockets where food and more plaque can build up. Early treatment is crucial, so regular dental check-ups are just as important in old age as they are when you’re younger.
Mouth cancer is more common than many realize, especially in adults over 60. It often doesn’t hurt at first, but catching problems early can save your life, so it’s important to visit your oral surgeon and dentist regularly throughout your life for routine oral cancer exams on a yearly basis.
