The population of Michigan is growing older. Just under a quarter of the state’s population is 60 or older according to the U.S. Census Bureau. If you live in Michigan and are 60, the Center for Disease Control calculates that you will likely live about 23 more years on average.1 Since you only have one set of teeth, taking care of them, no matter how old you are, is important. There are some very compelling reasons, besides your life expectancy, to take care of your teeth if you are 60 or older.
There is a mistaken belief that only younger people get cavities. In fact, the opposite is true. Cavities actually occur more often in older adults.2
Dry mouth caused by medications is a major reason that older adults are more cavity-prone. Dry mouth occurs because the body is not producing the correct amount of saliva, which helps clear food particles from your teeth, protecting them from decay. Saliva also heals sores in your mouth and prevents infections. Dry mouth is a side-effect in more than 500 medications, including those for allergies or asthma, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, pain, anxiety or depression, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases.3 Do not stop taking these vital medications for fear of getting cavities. There are things you can do to relive dry mouth symptoms and prevent cavities, such as drinking more water, using over-the-counter oral moisturizers, and chewing sugar-free gum or lozenges to stimulate saliva production.4 It is important to discuss dry mouth symptoms with your dentist to find a solution that works.
Older fillings also contribute to an upswing in cavities in older adults. No dental filling lasts forever. Over the years, fillings degrade due to wear and the seal between the filling and the tooth loosens. Decay can occur in the openings created by loose, cracked or chipped fillings. Eventually most fillings will need to be replaced. There is no set number of years that fillings last. That is why yearly dental check-ups are so important. At your check-up, a dentist will check existing fillings for wear and determine, often with the help of x-rays, if a filling needs to be replaced.
Receding gums can also be a problem for older adults. Too much pressure exerted when brushing teeth and the natural process of gums pulling away from teeth as we age are major contributors to receding gum issues. When root surfaces are exposed, they are more vulnerable to decay because roots are not protected by the same enamel that protects your teeth.
Another reason that older adults have oral health issues is the mistaken belief that if you don’t have your natural teeth, you don’t need to see a dentist. About a quarter of Americans age 60 years and older no longer have their natural teeth according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.5 During dental visits, dentists routinely check for signs of cancer of the mouth, throat and tongue. The average age most people are diagnosed with these oral cancers is 62. Early detection saves lives. Dentists also check for other medical problems of the mouth, head and neck. If you have dentures, your dentist will also check that they are fitting properly, as aging can cause changes in your gums and the supporting bones in your mouth, making dentures loose.
There are many ways that dentists can assist older adults in keeping their teeth and mouths healthy. Working together, dentists and their patients can resolve all of these common oral health issues of older adults. Whether you are 61 or 101, your dentist can play a vital role in your health and well-being.
Sedki Dentistry, Commerce MI is a complete family dental clinic that offers services for all dental health concerns. Dr. Sedki and his experienced staff are professional and committed to providing uncompromised care to their patients. Maintaining long term dental health and a beautiful smile is their goal. Call Sedki Dentistry today and get started on maintaining a healthy, beautiful smile for life!
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1 Michigan residents age 60 and older now almost quarter of state’s population, by Julie Mack, MLive.com, 1/2/2018
Link: https://www.mlive.com/news/index.ssf/2018/01/aging_michigan_senior_citizens.html
2 Why Seniors Are at an Increased Risk for Root Cavities, by Nancy Stannert, OralHealthAmerica.org
Link: https://www.toothwisdom.org/a-z/article/root-cavities/
3, 4 Concerns: Adults Over 60, MouthHealthy, American Dental Association
Link: https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/adults-over-60/concerns
5 AGD Emphasizes Oral Health Is Important at Any Age, Academy of General Dentistry, May 18, 2018
Link: https://www.agd.org/publications-and-news/newsroom/newsroom-list/2018/05/18/agd-emphasizes-oral-health-is-important-at-any-age