Neglect, Not Age, Leads to Tooth Loss

You may think that as you get older, you'll lose some of your teeth. You probably know older people who have bridges, dentures or implants to replace missing teeth.

And now that people are living longer than ever before, it may seem obvious that tooth loss is just another part of aging.

Just as taking care of your body can keep you active well into your senior years, taking care of your teeth can ensure that you keep them. If your teeth and gums are healthy, there's no reason your teeth should fall out.

One of the keys to keeping teeth for a lifetime is to visit a dentist regularly. But many older people don't.

Some older people may not realize the importance of preventive dental care because they grew up during a time when it was not emphasized. They may believe that toothaches, bleeding gums, loose teeth or mouth pain are just part of getting older. In fact, they can be signs of gum disease, or other problems.

Regular dental checkups and professional cleanings are important. During an exam, your dentist checks for tooth decay and gum disease, and also does an oral cancer screening. A lack of dental visits can result in untreated tooth decay and gum disease, both of which can lead to lost teeth. Toothache or mouth pain also can change how and what you eat. This means you may not get the nutrients you need to stay healthy.

Visiting the dentist is especially important for older people because they may have other medical conditions that can complicate dental treatment. Hundreds of medications can cause oral side effects, such as dry mouth, that can increase the risk of tooth decay or other oral-health problems.

Saliva is a natural cavity-fighter because it neutralizes acids produced by bacteria, helps wash away food and bacteria, and strengthens teeth. Dentists can treat this problem, and can prescribe fluoride rinses or gels that can help keep teeth strong.

Older people are more likely to get cavities for other reasons, too. Receding gums can allow acids to get to the roots of teeth and cause cavities. Older fillings can break down, leaving the tooth susceptible to decay.

People who have lost all of their teeth are particularly likely to think they don't need to visit the dentist anymore. But most people without teeth have dentures, and regular dental visits will help to keep dentures in good condition and fitting properly. The bone under your gums changes over time, and dentures that fit fine at one visit may need to be replaced or altered at the next visit.

Oral cancer also affects older people, whether or not they have teeth. More than half of the 8,000 deaths each year caused by oral cancer are in people 65 or older. If oral cancer is detected early, it can be treated successfully. Avoiding the dentist makes early detection less likely.

Brushing and flossing are as important as ever for older people. Brushing at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing once a day helps to keep teeth and gums healthy.

Some older people may have trouble handling a toothbrush or floss because of arthritis, a disability or an illness. Toothbrushes and floss holders that have been adapted to be easier to hold are available. Sometimes, an electric toothbrush helps. Your dentist or dental hygienist can help you find alternatives to make the job easier.