For many adults, getting older means they may face unfamiliar oral health concerns. And the population facing these concerns is only getting bigger. By 2060, the U.S. Census Bureau predicts the number of adults 65 and older will reach 98 million. That’s 24% of the U.S. population! As this group grows, more individuals are seeking information about oral health problems in older adults.

Keep reading to learn how to avoid some of the most common issues for an aging mouth.

Solutions for common oral health problems in older adults 

Getting older doesn’t mean dealing with more oral health issues. Here are four tips to help prevent some of the most common oral health problems in older adults.

Drink water to prevent cavities

According to a survey from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, 96.4% of adults between 50 and 65 have “caries, missing, or filled permanent teeth.” This percentage is higher than any other age demographic in the survey. Drinking more water is one simple lifestyle change that can help prevent cavities and other oral health problems. Not only is water sugar-free, but it can also help keep your teeth clean.

Dehydration can cause your salivary glands to reduce or stop producing saliva. Your mouth relies on saliva to help wash away harmful bacteria. Without enough of it, plaque sticks around longer, leading to cavities, mouth sores, bad breath, and gum disease.

If your mouth continues to feel dry despite increasing your water intake, it may be caused by prescriptions, disease, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy. Talk to your dentist and your doctor. They will be happy to work with you to determine the cause of dry mouth. Once you find the reason, they may recommend special toothpaste, rinses, and sprays, as well as medication changes.

Brush and floss daily to prevent gum disease

Gum disease impacts two out of three adults aged 65 and older in the United States. In mild cases, gums can become inflamed, swollen, and irritated. This is called gingivitis. The irritated gum tissue begins to pull away from the tooth, and the worse it gets, the less secure your teeth become. Advanced gum disease is called periodontitis. It can lead to bone and tissue loss, as well as tooth loss. As it progresses, teeth may even feel loose.

Ongoing studies show people with gum disease are more likely to have heart attacks, strokes, or other serious health events.

To prevent and even reverse gum disease, it’s imperative to brush your teeth twice daily (for at least two minutes each time) and floss once daily. A good dental hygiene routine helps prevent the buildup of plaque around the gums, which can lead to inflammation. It’s also important to see your dentist every six months for preventive cleanings.

Quit tobacco and limit alcohol to prevent oral cancer

According to the American Cancer Society, tobacco and excessive alcohol use are the strongest risk factors for oral cancer. This is because tobacco and alcohol are carcinogenic, meaning they can cause cancer. Most carcinogens, like tobacco and chemicals found in alcohol, work by “interacting with a cell’s DNA to produce mutations.” Quitting tobacco products and cutting down on alcohol consumption can help reduce your risk of developing the disease.

The American Cancer Society predicts 54,540 people will get oral or oropharyngeal cancer in 2023. Oral cancer can affect your gums, tongue, lips, teeth, throat, tonsils, and other soft tissues in the mouth. In the United States, the average age of a person diagnosed with oral cancer is 64.

If you need help quitting, local resources available to support you right now.

Older adults need dental insurance

Investing in dental insurance is a great way to take care of your oral health as an older adult. If you don’t have coverage through an employer, other affordable options, such as individual plans, are available. Dental insurance makes it easy to see providers for preventive check-ups and can help cover some of the costs for procedures you may need as you age.

The right dental plan is key to maintaining oral health in older adults. Contact us to learn more about the specifics of your coverage.

If you don’t have dental benefits, we can help! Not all plans require you to wait for the next open enrollment period. Find the dental plan that meets your needs today.

*Updated August 2023