All About Teeth – Part 3 Dental Concerns As We Age
Updated: October 14, 2026
Making sure we provide great dental care and education for our patients as they age is paramount to Smile Sarasota. It is estimated that 71 million Americans (approximately 20% of the population) will be 65 years old by 2030. As time goes by and dental care is being acknowledged more, we are seeing that an increasing number of older people have some if not all their teeth. This is due to improvement in oral health care such as water fluoridation, advanced dental technology, and better oral hygiene. However, this population continues to face a risk of chronic oral diseases such as, dental infections, decay, gum disease, tooth loss, benign and oral cancer. Increasing evidence has linked oral health and general health. There seems to be a relationship between periodontal disease, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, pneumonia, rheumatologic diseases, and wound healings.
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), only 51% of seniors had a dental visit in 2022. Patients who are eager for dental care have all mentioned their issue of being able to pay for it. Medicare, which covers medical care for people over 65 and older, doesn’t include routine dental care. Many seniors are also losing their insurance coverage plan when they retire. Smile Sarasota is sensitive to all these needs. Which is why we offer Care Credit to assist with payment for dental treatment.
As we get older, we enter a second round of cavity prone years. One common cause of cavities in older adults is dry mouth. Dry mouth is not a normal part of aging. However, it is a side effect in more than 500 medications. Some of the medications being medication for allergies, asthma, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, pain, anxiety, depression, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. This is just one of the reasons why it’s very important to inform Dr. Still about any medications that you are taking. To help relieve your dry mouth symptoms and prevent caries.
Another problem older adults may face is gum or periodontal disease. This can be caused by bacteria in plaque which irritates the gums, making them swollen, red, and more likely to bleed. One reason gum disease is so widespread among adults is that it’s often a painless condition until the advance stage. If left untreated, gums can begin to pull away from the teeth and form dependence spaces called pockets where food particles and more plaque may collect. Advanced gum disease can eventually destroy the gums, bone, and ligaments supporting the teeth leading to tooth loss. Fortunately, with regular dental visits gum disease can be treated or prevented entirely.
Mouth cancer is another issue seen in older patients. According to the American Cancer Society, there are about 35,000 cases of mouth, throat, and tongue cancer diagnosed each year. The average age of most people diagnosed with these cancers is 62. Dr. Still makes sure to check for any signs of oral cancer during your dental visit.
Many patients need to take an antibiotic before dental treatment. Are you one of them? If you have a heart condition or artificial joint, be sure to tell Dr. Still. You may think it’s not relevant. After all, what do your heart and joints have to do with your teeth? But there are conditions with a high risk of infection, and antibiotics are recommended prior to some dental procedures. Smile Sarasota follows recommendations that have been developed by the American Heart Association and the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons in cooperation with the American Dental Association.
Here are three simple tips for seniors (and those of all ages) to help maintain healthy teeth and gums for life:
- Brush at least twice a day with fluoride-containing toothpaste
- Floss at least once a day
- Visit Smile Sarasota on a regular schedule for cleaning and an oral exam
These steps can prevent many problems, but tasks that once seemed so simple can become very challenging. If your loved one is having difficulty with brushing and flossing, talk with Dr. Still or, our hygienists who can provide helpful tips or a different approach. For those who wear dentures, pay close attention to their eating habits. If they’re having difficulty eating or are not eating as much as usual, denture problems could be the cause. Smile Sarasota is here to help…call us with any questions, anytime!
Sources and Credits: ada.org, The Washington Post, aafp.org, webmd.com
