By Dr. Eric Wolfe
It’s easy to think of tooth loss as a natural part of aging. But as the print edition of AARP: The Magazine reports in their feature Hold on to Your Smile by Jessica Migala, that assumption is far from the truth–and potentially dangerous. In fact, keeping your natural teeth well into later life is not only possible, but also essential to overall health. This is the second of three installments of blogs on this article because The author very eloquently described issues many of our patients face, challenges we help them overcome for life.
“Tooth loss doesn’t have to be your future,” Migala quotes Adila S. Baig, director of the Special Care & Geriatrics Clinic at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry. “With good oral hygiene and preventative techniques, you can hold on to your teeth.” According to Baig, understanding the “thieves” that come for our teeth–decay, dry mouth and gum disease–is the first step in protecting both your oral and systemic health.
Let’s take a closer look at these hidden culprits and what you can do to fight back with our support.
Tooth Thief #1: Dry Mouth
Dry mouth may sound like a nuisance, but it’s a serious dental risk—especially for older adults. “About 6 in 10 older adults complain of dry mouth,” according to Migala. Saliva plays a key role in protecting your teeth. “Saliva helps neutralize acids and re-mineralize tooth structure. Dry mouth puts you at a higher risk for cavities,” explains Sheena Shuman, director of Oral Health Services for Older Adults at the University of Minnesota.
Many common medications–including those for allergies, anxiety, high blood pressure and pain–can reduce saliva production. Without enough moisture in the mouth, harmful bacteria thrive. The result: rapid tooth decay and increased risk of tooth loss. Regular cleanings and exams as well as good daily oral hygiene habits can help with this.
Tooth Thief #2: Gum Disease
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is the leading cause of tooth loss in older adults. AARP reports that about 2 in 3 adults over 65 are currently dealing with it. The most common early sign? “Your gums bleed when you brush.” Many dismiss this as normal, but it’s your body’s warning signal that something’s wrong.
Unchecked, gum disease can erode the bone supporting your teeth and contribute to serious systemic health issues including heart disease, stroke, and even dementia. In the last section of this blog, I outline how we treat early to moderate gum disease.
Tooth Thief #3: Decay
Tooth decay is often mistaken as a childhood problem. But adults–especially those over 65–are still very much at risk. “About 1 in 5 adults over 65 currently have untreated root decay,” according to AARP’s reporting. “The myth is that cavities are only a childhood problem, but they are definitely an adult problem,” Shuman is quoted as saying.
As we age, our gums naturally recede, exposing more of the tooth root, which is softer and more vulnerable to decay. Combine that with dry mouth or difficulty brushing and flossing due to dexterity issues, and the risk skyrockets. If you have already experienced tooth loss, cracking or breaking due to decay, read on to uncover how to fortify what remains.
How We Help
Your dental team at Summit Smiles Dental helps to identify, treat and manage gum disease in early to moderate stages. Our comprehensive hygiene appointments include gum health screenings, and our team closely monitors signs like bleeding, inflammation and gum recession.
When cases require more advanced intervention, we coordinate closely with trusted local periodontists and oral surgeons to ensure seamless referrals and continuity of care. Our goal is to be your first line of defense, helping you catch and manage gum disease early, before it threatens your overall health.
Beyond that, we help you stay one step ahead of the culprits threatening your oral health. When decay, dry mouth, or gum disease have already made their move, we offer effective, long-term solutions to restore what was stolen and fortify what remains. Here are a few restorative dental treatments we offer to help you reclaim your smile: dental implants, dentures, root canal treatments, crowns and bridges.
With the right dental team in your corner, you can stop these thieves in their tracks–and build your healthier, more confident future.