Dental care for older adults: keeping teeth and dentures healthy

Many people now keep their own teeth well into old age, and with the right care they can stay healthy. The most common problems later in life are dry mouth (often caused by medicines), decay on exposed roots, gum disease and difficulties with dentures. Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, cleaning between the teeth, caring for dentures properly and seeing a dentist regularly prevent most of them.

What changes with age

• Dry mouth. Many medicines for blood pressure, mood, sleep or allergies reduce saliva. Saliva protects the teeth, so a dry mouth raises the risk of decay and makes dentures less comfortable.
• Exposed roots. When the gums recede, the roots appear. They are softer than enamel and decay more easily, and they are often sensitive.
• Gum disease. It is common in older adults and is linked with diabetes and heart disease. It can loosen teeth if not treated.
• Worn and cracked teeth. Years of chewing and grinding wear the teeth, and large old fillings can crack.
• Harder daily cleaning when arthritis, poor eyesight or a tremor make brushing difficult.

Daily care that makes a difference

1. Brush twice a day for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste. An electric toothbrush or a brush with a thicker handle helps when the hands are stiff.
2. Clean between the teeth once a day with floss or interdental brushes.
3. Drink water regularly, especially with a dry mouth, and limit sugary drinks and snacks between meals.
4. Do not stop prescribed medicines because of dry mouth; ask your doctor whether an alternative exists, and tell your dentist which medicines you take.
5. If you smoke, stopping helps your gums and lowers the risk of mouth cancer.

Caring for dentures

• Take dentures out and clean them every day with a soft brush and mild soap or denture cleaner, not ordinary toothpaste, which scratches them.
• Clean your gums, tongue and remaining teeth too.
• Leave dentures out at night if your dentist advises it, and keep them in water so that they do not dry out.
• Have them checked regularly: the gums and bone change over time, and a denture that no longer fits can cause sores. Read our guides to complete dentures, partial dentures and the first month with a denture.

Signs that need a dental visit

• A sore or ulcer in the mouth that does not heal within two weeks — read mouth ulcers: when to worry
• Bleeding or swollen gums, or teeth that feel loose
• A denture that rubs, moves or causes pain
• New sensitivity, pain or a bad taste
• Difficulty chewing that makes you avoid some foods

Tips for families and carers

If an older parent needs help, brushing is easiest with the person seated and the helper standing behind or beside them. Check the mouth regularly for sores, broken teeth and denture problems, and mention changes in eating habits, as dental pain sometimes shows only as a loss of appetite. Bring the list of medicines to every dental appointment.

Dental care for older adults at Ajam Dental Clinic in Tripoli

Ajam Dental Clinic is a dental practice on Fouad Chehab Boulevard in Tripoli, run by Dr. Abdel Rahman Ajam and Dr. Soumaya Ajam. We treat adults of all ages, including check-ups, gum care, fillings, crowns and dentures, and we take the time to explain each step. Patients come from across Tripoli — Al-Qobbeh, Bab al-Tabbaneh, Jabal Mohsen and Dam wa Farez — and from the rest of North Lebanon.

You can book an appointment by WhatsApp or phone, for yourself or for a family member.

This article provides general information for patients. It does not replace an examination by a dentist, who can advise you on your own situation.