Healthy Aging and Your Oral Health

Many people associate the aging process with tooth loss. The reality is, as stated in News Medical Life Sciences, that the aging process is “not in itself an independent risk factor for oral health decline.” However, “systemic conditions, medications, and access to dental care play critical roles in oral health outcomes.”

The leading cause of tooth loss in adults isn’t from decay but from periodontal (gum) disease. And, unless you are seeing your dental specialist regularly, you might not even know you have it.

A Bidirectional Relationship

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show us that complete tooth loss is at least 50% higher among adults who had fair or poor general health and/or the following conditions:

  • Heart disease
  • Diabetes (the risk for periodontitis (severe gum disease) increases 2-3 times
  • Emphysema
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Asthma (a lower incidence of pneumonia is noted in even frailer older adults who have regular oral hygiene interventions)
  • Liver disease
  • A history of stroke

Even though tooth loss is more common in older adults, it is largely preventable at any age if gum disease is treated. The “bidirectional” relationship means that not only can your general health affect your oral health, but your oral health can affect your general health. And improving one improves the other. Therefore, improving your oral health can have positive effects on your general health.

What You Can Do to Help

You or your loved one should:

  • Brush teeth morning and night with fluoride toothpaste
  • Floss daily
  • Stop smoking! It’s one of the biggest risk factors for so many diseases, including gum disease
  • Watch your diet. Avoiding too many empty calories can improve both oral and overall health
  • Exercise! Exercise and calorie control can lower your risk for diabetes
  • Stay hydrated – a dry mouth is the perfect environment for bacteria

Getting Older Doesn’t Need to Equate to Teeth and Gum Issues

We honor the natural aging process. But we also want you to know that it’s never too late to improve your oral health. Even if you have neglected your teeth in younger years, we can help restore your smile, and without passing judgement. If, after a thorough examination, we conclude that we can’t save your teeth, we can offer dental implants. We’ve placed implants in individuals well into their nineties to allow for enhanced appearances, improved eating and speaking and renewed confidence.

With consistent care, even severe gum disease can be managed. If you have bleeding, swollen or sensitive gums, you may have gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease which can actually be reversed. We’ll stop the infection in its tracks with early intervention.

If you’re an older adult with oral health issues, why not make 2025 your year to become not just older, but older —and wiser —about your teeth and gums! Reach out today to schedule a consultation.