Dental Risks for the Aging Adult

Each stage of life presents unique dental health challenges. The aging adult is not excluded. In fact, seniors are at risk for some very specific dental problems, including those that can sabotage your dental implants. Just because you have replacement teeth doesn’t mean you are exempt from the oral health problems that commonly plague the aging adult.

Being aware of the following dental concerns for seniors can help you stay on top of your oral health and protect your dental implants along the way:

DRY MOUTH

One of the most common problems that seniors and elderly adults face is dry mouth. This is largely due to side effects from medications. Regardless, dry mouth can not only be uncomfortable to deal with, but it can pose a real threat to your oral health over time. We need saliva to neutralize acids and rinse away bacteria in the mouth, both of which can be harmful to your real teeth and your dental implants!

GUM RECESSION

Receding gums are also more likely to occur in older adults. Gum recession can be a part of the natural aging process, or a result of teeth grinding, smoking, brushing too hard or other oral habits. While you may not feel the teeth sensitivity from gum recession if you have implants, you can certainly experience instability within your prosthetic tooth. All dental implants need proper gum height to support them!

PERIODONTAL DISEASE

According to the Academy of General Dentistry, severe gum disease affects 25 percent of adults between the ages of 65 and 74 years old. If left untreated, patients can experience gingivitis and the more serious periodontitis. When the gums are infected, diseased and unhealthy, the implant is at high risk. The infection can spread to the bone that supports the implant, which may result in complete implant failure.

If you have dental implants as a senior adult, we want you to be informed about the specific oral health concerns that you may face as you age. As a dental implants patient, one of the best things you can do to protect your investment is to maintain your routine dental exams. If you notice changes in the way your implant looks, feels or functions, please schedule an appointment at 1899 Dental Implants today!