Senior Dental Care: Addressing Age-Related Oral Health Issues

Did you know that the older we get, our oral health also requires different care than what we have now? Just like other parts of the body, our teeth and gums go through wear and tear from decades of use. For many people nearing retirement age or older, this may include brittle teeth, gum concerns, or aging dental work that is starting to wear down.

Let’s address some of the most common dental problems that seniors deal with, and how family dental services may be able to support their oral health to become better for seniors in Australia.

Why is Dental Care Important for Seniors?

A healthy smile is more than what the eyes can see because it plays a key role in overall wellbeing. Eating, speaking, and how you feel in social situations all rely on having strong, functional teeth. But with age, problems like old fillings, gum disease, and tooth sensitivity can make everyday life a little harder.

In fact, research shows that nearly 1 in 5 Australians aged 65 and over have no natural teeth left. This condition is also known as edentulism. However, those who still have teeth may already have experiences of untreated dental decay or gum disease, which can significantly affect their quality of life.

That’s why seniors’ dental care in Australia is so important. Looking after seniors’ dental care is not just about fixing teeth that are already broken. It’s also about keeping your mouth healthy and avoiding future complications.

Let’s explore some of the most common age-related dental issues and how they can be managed.

Common Dental Issues Among Seniors

1. Brittle or Worn-Down Teeth

Many older adults have had multiple fillings throughout their lives to cover up a decayed tooth. Unfortunately, over time, these repeated repairs can weaken the overall structure of the tooth, in which you may notice that your teeth:

• Chip or break more easily
• Feel fragile when chewing
• Make you hesitant to eat harder foods

This is a common concern we hear from patients close to retirement age. They’re often worried about biting into something and having a piece of their tooth break off.

How We Can Help

If our team at Whitehorse Dental sees that your teeth are in a weakened state, we may suggest a dental crown. A crown is like a cap that covers the entire tooth, replacing the damaged part and giving it back its full strength. It’s especially helpful for teeth that have been filled and refilled many times. A crown can help restore function and reduce the risk of further damage while eating.

2. Gum Disease

Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is another issue that can sneak up on seniors. In Australia, over 60% of seniors aged 75 and over have gum disease. It often develops slowly and without pain, which is why many people do not know they have it until the later stages when their teeth start feeling loose.

This happens when bacteria build up under the gumline and cause the gums to pull away from the teeth. Over time, it can lead to bone loss and tooth loss.

Many people who are busy with work or caring for others might not have seen a dentist regularly during their younger years. As a result, they may not know they have had long-standing gum problems.

Can Gum Health Be Restored?

In many cases, early intervention and regular dental care can support the improvement of gum health. We usually recommend:

• A thorough dental cleaning to remove plaque and tartar
• In more severe cases, deep cleaning treatments (also called scaling and root planing) to remove bacteria from below the gumline

With proper care and follow-up, your gums can often heal and return to a healthy state, especially if the infection is caught before it becomes advanced.

Other Factors That Affect Oral Health for Seniors

Apart from brittle teeth and gum issues, here are some other factors that can impact oral health for seniors:

• Dry mouth (xerostomia) – Having dry mouth in seniors is quite common, which is often caused by medications. Unfortunately, dry mouth can increase your risk of decay and discomfort.
• Medical conditions – Diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, and arthritis can affect your oral health or make it harder to care for your teeth.
• Oral hygiene routines – Some seniors may struggle with brushing and flossing due to limited hand mobility or memory concerns.
• Missing teeth – Gaps in the mouth can lead to changes in bite, shifting teeth, and difficulty eating.

This is where family dental services come in. Having a supportive dental team means these issues can be managed with the right advice, tools, and treatments tailored to your needs.

Keep Your Teeth Healthy as You Age

Growing older should not mean eating soft food forever or avoiding social situations because of your teeth. With the right dental care and support, seniors can still enjoy strong, healthy smiles for years to come.

If you want to look after your dental health and you need professional advice, our team at Whitehorse Dental is ready to take care of you and your whole family with our family dental services.

Schedule an appointment with us now to combat dental issues early.