Your teeth, gums and mouth age with you, and you may discover that you are facing different dental problems later in life than you did when you were younger. Some physical changes to your mouth will put your teeth at greater risk, while decades of day-to-day use can cause your oral structures to deteriorate. Senior dentistry helps you care for your smile and maintain good oral health so that you can continue to enjoy a healthy, pain-free lifestyle as you age.

When you visit our office, our dentist will perform a complete exam of your mouth, including checking your bite, joints, teeth, gums and soft tissues. We will also check the condition and fit of your dentures (if you wear them) to ensure that they continue to function properly.

Some of the common dental problems you may face as you age include:

• Dry mouth — Dry mouth is a common side effect of infection, medications and tobacco use. Our dentist may recommend preventive measures, fluoride gels, dietary modifications, increased water consumption, lozenges or chewing gum to help relieve the effects of dry mouth.
• Tooth decay — Older adults tend to develop more cavities as a result of dry mouth and other factors. Maintain a good hygiene routine at home and make sure to visit our dentist regularly.
• Damaged teeth — You may find that you need more dental work due to damaged teeth than you did when you were younger. We offer a variety of restorative options to repair, replace and protect your teeth.
• Missing teeth — You may lose teeth due to gum disease, injury or other factors. There are several options to replace your teeth so that you can chew and smile normally, including bridges, dentures and implants.
• Systemic conditions affecting oral health — Age-related illnesses, such as diabetes, can have an effect on your oral health. Likewise, dental conditions such as periodontal disease have been known to contribute to systemic conditions (diabetes, heart disease, stroke, respiratory disease, osteoporosis, etc.). This makes maintaining good oral health critical to your continued health as you age.

If you have any questions about senior dentistry or want to schedule an appointment with our experienced dentist, please contact our office today.