Senior Citizens Are Prone to Losing Teeth

As adults get older, they start to experience changes in their body. Deviations in their oral health, such as losing teeth, can be among those transformations.

At the office of Derrick Williamson DDS MS PC, we present empathy, patience and compassion to all of our patients. Our prosthodontists use state-of-the-art knowledge and technology to perform a complete array of procedures with the utmost care and precision. 

Our team—from the front desk to the back offices—is made up of friendly, highly trained specialists who are eager to help you feel comfortable and relaxed while receiving the very best in prosthodontic care.

If senior citizens start losing teeth, it can be the collective result of years of issues, such as poor oral hygiene, their circumstances in life or another health problem. 

Seniors whose gums start to or already have started to recede have most likely have some extent, frequently for many years already, of gum disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that at least 50 percent of Americans have gingivitis or its more advance form called periodontitis, which is a major reason for tooth loss in adults.

In fact, the CDC adds, more than 17 percent of people over age 65 have periodontal disease, which causes gums to draw back from teeth. This retreat exposes teeth’s roots and promotes gaps in which infections can start to brew and develop.

A seniors is also more likely to get a condition called dry mouth, which means that his mouth doesn’t produce enough saliva. Saliva continuously “washes out” the mouth and protects teeth from bacteria. Less saliva production increases the probability of cavities. Rather than dry mouth being a normal part of aging, it can be a byproduct of more than 500 medications, including those for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, pain, anxiety, depression, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Tell your prosthodontist about any medications you’re taking.

Most people who lose teeth to periodontal disease are excellent candidates for dental implants. They look and act like your natural teeth and prevent your jaw from shrinking in those areas. 

Derrick Williamson DDS MS PC is dedicated to providing the highest level of skilled and gentle dental care. For more information about our prosthodontic services as well as our other oral healthcare services, please don’t hesitate to contact us today. 

By Derrick Williamson DDS MS PC

August 24, 2021