Affordable Dental Care
» Dental Care for Baby Boomers & Seniors
Dental Care for Baby Boomers & Seniors: Take a Bite Out of Aging
by Community Dental Staff Dentist
Sophie loves her Grandma, Henrietta. She’s as tough as they come. She is always emphasizing to Sophie the importance of a good work
ethic and maintaining her health–particularly her teeth. "You are never fully dressed without your smile, so take good care
of your teeth!" she would chime to her granddaughter. "Old age does not have to mean tooth loss. A dentist told me that once,
and I never forgot it. If you develop good habits now, they will last you a lifetime!"
Henrietta is in one of the fastest growing age groups today–in many areas of the US, people aged 65 and older may soon outnumber
those aged 0-5 years! This sizeable societal sect has special needs, particularly as the dynamics of this age group change, and this is
especially true for dental care.
For some baby boomers and seniors, just getting to the dentist can present a challenge. This may be due to difficulty walking or
climbing stairs, dental anxiety, or obtaining transportation to and from a health facility.
Today, these barriers may be crossed with a rise in transportation services such as those offered by Community Concepts in Lewiston and
South Paris, and health and dental centers that can accommodate persons with disabilities, including those in wheelchairs.
Once in the dental chair, the first step is to review one’s medical history with the dentist. Older adults tend to have more health
conditions, and are consequently taking more medications, prescriptions as well as over-the-counter. Having an accurate list of all
medications, vitamins, and supplements that a patient is taking enables the dentist to gain an accurate picture of the individual’s
health status, as well as avoid potential adverse interactions with medication the dentist may need to prescribe.
Like their younger counterparts, boomers and seniors are susceptible to cavities. This is partly because many of their medications
have the side effect of dry mouth. Since one of the roles of saliva is to bathe the teeth in protective fluid, its decrease can leave
the teeth more vulnerable to cavities. Oral health care products, such as gels, toothpastes and mouth-rinses, can be effective treatments
for this condition. Another contributing factor is that humans tend to experience some decrease in the sense of taste as we age, which
can propel us to increase consumption of sugary foods. Aging and certain health conditions can also reduce one’s dexterity and eyesight,
making the act of brushing and flossing a physically difficult chore, and with inadequate hygiene, cavities may abound. Fortunately,
advances in vision correction and products such as large handled-toothbrushes and pre-strung dental flossers can make oral hygiene a little easier.
Cavities are not the only item on the dental watch list as we grow older and "longer in the tooth." At the top of the list is
periodontal (gum) disease, which for decades authorities fingered as the primary cause of tooth loss past the age of 35. In
individuals with this condition, gums pull away from the teeth creating pockets, which can become infected and result in gum
tissue and bone destruction. Affected teeth will become loose and eventually lost. But this need not occur if, as we grow both older
and wiser, we find our way to qualified professional help, and put appropriate measures in place to prevent or arrest receding gums
and untimely tooth loss.
When teeth are lost, one way to regain them is with dentures. Dentures are a removable prosthesis that replaces missing teeth in each arch
(upper or lower jaw). Denture wearers use their prosthesis all day, including during meals, but it must be removed at night before going to
sleep and after eating for proper cleaning. Dentures should not be worn while sleeping, as doing so can harm the underlying tissues. Dentures
also need to be cleaned properly with denture–specific cleaning agents (not toothpaste) to maintain optimal hygiene, just as one should brush
after meals. Teeth may also be replaced with non-removable prostheses. Your dentist can determine if this is a viable option for you.
If you are missing teeth, wear dentures that do not seem to fit as they should, or have not seen a dentist in over two years, you should
see one, even if you are not currently experiencing dental pain. You should also see a dentist if you notice blood on your toothbrush, saliva
or food, if any of your teeth seem to have shifted position or become loose, or if you use any tobacco products. Don’t let aging take a bite
out of your smile–take Henrietta’s words of wisdom to heart.
Community Dental—Gentle, Safe, and Affordable Dental Care
Our approach is to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that includes preventative, restorative, and maintenance services by appointment. We accept most dental insurance plans, MaineCare, and walk-in emergencies for those experiencing dental pain. We are taking new patients and treat all ages, so your whole family can become established patients with us.
Give us a call—we have several locations throughout the state and look forward to your visit!
Biddeford
207-282-1305
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Farmington
207-779-2659
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Lewiston
207-777-7442
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Portland
207-874-1028
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Rumford
207-369-3600
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Dental Care for Baby Boomers & Seniors—References
and Reading Materials
Principal Author: Community Dental Staff Dentist
Date Last Modified: February 10, 2012