Studies indicate that older people have the highest rates of periodontal disease. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that over 70% of Americans 65 and older have periodontitis.
One reason gum disease is so widespread among older adults is that it’s often a painless condition until the advanced stage. If left untreated, gums can begin to pull away from the teeth and form deep spaces called pockets where food particles and more plaque may collect. Advanced gum disease can eventually destroy the gums, bones, and ligaments supporting the teeth leading to tooth loss. The good news is that with regular dental visits gum disease can be treated or prevented entirely.
Your mouth is the gateway to your body
Maintaining good oral health habits now is especially important because unhealthy bacteria in the mouth not only can harm your teeth and gums but may be associated with serious medical conditions.
Research has shown that infections in the mouth may be associated with heart disease, stroke, diabetes, pneumonia, and other health problems that are common in older adults. It really only takes a few simple steps, brushing and flossing daily, visiting us regularly, and eating nutritious foods to be mouth healthy for life.
Dry mouth is a common cause of cavities for older adults
You may wonder why you’re suddenly getting cavities when you haven’t had them in years. As we get older, we enter the second round of cavity-prone years. One common cause of cavities in older adults is dry mouth, which is a side effect of 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.
Tell us about any medications that you’re taking. We can make recommendations to help relieve your dry mouth symptoms and prevent cavities.
Highlights:
- 70% of Americans 65 and older have periodontitis. One reason gum disease is so widespread among older adults is that it’s often a painless condition until the advanced stage.
- Dry mouth in older adults is a common cause of cavities. It 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.