Oral health is a crucial part of your overall health and well-being, especially as you age. Your teeth and gums are not only important for chewing, speaking, and smiling, but also for preventing and managing chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and dementia. However, as you get older, you may face various oral health challenges that require specialized and individualized dental care.

That’s why you need a geriatric dentist who can provide you with the dental care you need as you age. Geriatric dentistry, also known as gerodontology or gerodontics, is the delivery of dental care to older adults involving the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of problems associated with normal aging and age-related diseases. A geriatric dentist is a dental professional who has advanced training and experience in caring for the oral health needs of older adults, especially those who have physical, sensory, intellectual, mental, emotional or social impairment or disability. A geriatric dentist can offer you personalized and comprehensive dental care that takes into account your medical history, medications, lifestyle, and preferences.

As you get older, you may experience some of the following oral health problems:

Tooth decay: Bacteria in your mouth feed on sugars and produce acids that damage your enamel. Older adults have a higher risk of tooth decay due to dry mouth (xerostomia), less saliva, medications, and gums that pull away from the teeth.

Gum disease: Gum disease is an infection of the tissues that hold your teeth. It is caused by plaque and tartar that accumulate along the gum line. Gum disease can cause bleeding, swelling, redness, and bad breath. It can also lead to tooth loss and bone loss if not treated.

Tooth loss: Tooth loss can happen because of decay, gum disease, injury, or wear and tear. Missing teeth can affect your appearance, self-esteem, speech, chewing ability, and bite alignment. It can also make your remaining teeth move or drift, creating hard-to-clean gaps and spaces.

Oral cancer: Oral cancer is a malignant growth that can affect any part of your mouth, such as your lips, tongue.

Denture-related problems: Dentures are removable devices that replace missing teeth. They can help you improve your smile and function, but they also need proper care and maintenance.