As you age, your teeth, gums and mouth all age with you, and your oral health will require different care and attention than when you were younger. Age and day-to-day use of your smile can cause your teeth to change and deteriorate. Our dentists and team provide senior dentistry so you can have the care you need to have a healthy, bright and functioning smile for a lifetime.

When you come in for your first visit with our dentists, we will perform a full examination of your smile, including your bite, joints, teeth, gums and the soft tissues of your mouth to determine the necessary treatment to maintain the health of your smile. If you wear dentures, we will also check the fit and condition of your dentures to help ensure they function as they should.

There are a variety of oral problems you may face as you age, including:

• Dry mouth — A common side effect of many medications is dry mouth. Dry mouth can also be caused by infection and tobacco use. Gum recession is common for older patients, but dry mouth can worsen the condition and make the area susceptible to cavities and other oral damage. To treat the condition, our dentists may recommend preventive care such as fluoride treatment, dietary changes, lozenges, chewing gums or the consumption of more water.
• Tooth decay — Older patients are more likely to develop tooth decay due to dry mouth and other factors as they age. It is important to maintain a good, daily oral hygiene routine at home and visit our dentists regularly.
• Damaged teeth — Older patients may find their teeth are more susceptible to damage. We offer many restorative procedures for your convenience.
• Missing teeth — You may lose teeth due to injury, gum disease and other factors. If you do lose teeth, we offer several restorative options such as dentures, bridges or implants to help you regain a full smile.
• Disease — Illnesses such as diabetes can have a significant effect on your oral health. Studies have also shown gum disease to be linked to diseases such as heart disease, respiratory conditions, stroke, diabetes or osteoporosis. Due to the high-risk factor of these diseases, it is vital you visit our dentists regularly to maintain your oral health and overall health.

If you have any questions about senior dentistry or you would like to schedule an appointment with our dentists, we encourage you to call or visit our office today!