BACK TOTOP Browse A-ZSearchBrowse A-ZABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ0-9 E-mail FormEmail ResultsName:Email address:Recipients Name:Recipients address:Message: Print-FriendlyBookmarksbookmarks-menuAging changes in teeth and gumsDental hygiene - aging; Teeth - aging; Oral hygiene - agingAging changes occur in all of the body's cells, tissues, and organs. These changes affect all parts of the body, including the teeth and gums. Certain health conditions that are more common in older adults and taking certain medicines can also affect oral health. Learn what you can do to keep your teeth and gums healthy in your later years.How Age Can Affect Oral HealthCertain changes occur slowly over time in our bodies as we age:Cells renew at a slower rate Tissues become thinner and less elastic Bones become less dense and strong The immune system can become weaker, so infection can occur more quickly and healing takes longer These changes affect tissue and bone in the mouth, which increases the risk for oral health problems in later years.Common Oral Health Problems in Older AdultsDRY MOUTHOlder adults are more at risk for dry mouth. This can occur because of age, medicine use, or certain health conditions.Saliva plays an important role in maintaining oral health. It protects your teeth from decay and helps your gums stay healthy. When the salivary glands in your mouth don't produce enough saliva, it can increase the risk for:Problems tasting, chewing, and swallowing Mouth sores Mouth soresThere are different types of mouth sores. They can occur anywhere in the mouth including bottom of the mouth, inner cheeks, gums, lips, and tongue....ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Gum disease and tooth decay Yeast infection in the mouth (thrush) ThrushThrush is a yeast infection of the tongue and lining of the mouth.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Your mouth may produce a bit less saliva as you get older. But medical problems that occur in older adults are more common causes of dry mouth:Many medicines, such as some used to treat high blood pressure, high cholesterol, pain, and depression, can reduce the amount of saliva you produce. This is probably the most common cause of dry mouth in older adults. Side effects from cancer treatment can cause dry mouth. Health conditions such as diabetes, stroke, and Sjögren syndrome can affect your ability to produce saliva. Sjögren syndromeSjögren syndrome is an autoimmune disorder in which the glands that produce tears and saliva are destroyed. This causes dry mouth and dry eyes. The...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article GUM PROBLEMSReceding gums are common in older adults. This is when the gum tissue pulls away from the tooth, exposing the base, or root, of the tooth. This makes it easy for bacteria to build up and cause inflammation and decay.A lifetime of brushing too hard can cause gums to recede. However, gum disease (periodontal disease) is the most common cause of receding gums. Gingivitis is an early type of gum disease. It occurs due when plaque and tartar build up and irritate and inflame the gums. Severe gum disease is called periodontitis. It can lead to loss of teeth.GingivitisGingivitis is inflammation of the gums.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article PeriodontitisPeriodontitis is inflammation and infection of the ligaments and bones that support the teeth.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Certain conditions and diseases common in older adults can put them at risk for periodontal disease.Not brushing and flossing every day Not getting regular dental care Smoking Diabetes Dry mouth Weak immune system CAVITIES Dental cavities occur when bacteria in the mouth (contained in plaque) changes sugars and starches from food into acid. This acid attacks tooth enamel and can lead to cavities.Dental cavitiesDental cavities are holes (or structural damage) in the teeth.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Cavities are common in older adults in part because more adults are keeping their teeth for their lifetime. Because older adults often have receding gums, cavities are more likely to develop at the root of the tooth. Dry mouth also causes bacteria to build up in the mouth more easily, leading to tooth decay.ORAL CANCEROral cancer is more common in people older than age 45 and is twice as common in men as in women.Oral cancerOral cancer is cancer that starts in the mouth.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Smoking and other types of tobacco use are the most common cause of oral cancer. Drinking alcohol in excess along with tobacco use greatly increases the risk for oral cancer.Other factors that may increase the risk for oral cancer include:Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection (same virus that causes genital warts and several other cancers) Poor dental and oral hygiene Taking medicines that weaken the immune system (immunosuppressants) Rubbing from rough teeth, dentures, or fillings over a long period of timeHow to Protect Your Teeth and GumNo matter what your age, proper dental care can keep your teeth and gums healthy.Proper dental careTooth decay and gum disease are caused by plaque, a sticky combination of bacteria and food. Plaque begins to build up on teeth within a few minutes...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Brush twice a day with a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Floss at least once a day. See your dentist for regular check-ups. Avoid sweets and sugar-sweetened beverages. Do not smoke or use tobacco.If medicines are causing dry mouth, talk with your health care provider to see if you may be able to change medicines. Ask about artificial saliva or other products to help keep your mouth moist.When to Call the DoctorYou should contact your dentist if you notice:Tooth pain Red or swollen gums Dry mouth Mouth sores White or red patches in mouth Bad breath Loose teeth Poorly-fitting denturesOpen ReferencesReferencesNiessen LC, Gibson G, Hartshorn JE. Geriatric patients. In: Stefanac SJ, Nesbit SP, eds. Diagnosis and Treatment Planning in Dentistry. 3rd ed. St Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2017:chap 17.Needleman I. Aging and the periodontium. In: Newman MG, Takei HH, Klokkevold PR, Carranza FA, eds. Newman and Carranza's Clinical Periodontology. 13th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 4.Schrieber A, Alsabban L, Fulmer T, Glickman R. Geriatric dentistry: maintaining oral health in the geriatric population. In: Fillit HM, Rockwood K, Young J, eds. Brocklehurst's Textbook of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2017:chap 110.AllVideoImagesTogGingivitis - illustration Inflammation of the gums is called gingivitis. Bacteria in plaque around the teeth release enzymes (collagenases) that can damage and erode the gum tissues. The infected gums swell, bleed easily, recede, and loosen from the teeth. Tooth loss is caused more frequently by gum disease than tooth decay.GingivitisillustrationGingivitis - illustration Inflammation of the gums is called gingivitis. Bacteria in plaque around the teeth release enzymes (collagenases) that can damage and erode the gum tissues. The infected gums swell, bleed easily, recede, and loosen from the teeth. Tooth loss is caused more frequently by gum disease than tooth decay.GingivitisillustrationA Closer Look Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid)(Alt. Medicine)Stress - InDepth(In-Depth)Self Care Aging changes in teeth and gumsRelated Information Review Date: 4/17/2022 Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. 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Aging changes in teeth and gumsDental hygiene - aging; Teeth - aging; Oral hygiene - agingAging changes occur in all of the body's cells, tissues, and organs. These changes affect all parts of the body, including the teeth and gums. Certain health conditions that are more common in older adults and taking certain medicines can also affect oral health. Learn what you can do to keep your teeth and gums healthy in your later years.How Age Can Affect Oral HealthCertain changes occur slowly over time in our bodies as we age:Cells renew at a slower rate Tissues become thinner and less elastic Bones become less dense and strong The immune system can become weaker, so infection can occur more quickly and healing takes longer These changes affect tissue and bone in the mouth, which increases the risk for oral health problems in later years.Common Oral Health Problems in Older AdultsDRY MOUTHOlder adults are more at risk for dry mouth. This can occur because of age, medicine use, or certain health conditions.Saliva plays an important role in maintaining oral health. It protects your teeth from decay and helps your gums stay healthy. When the salivary glands in your mouth don't produce enough saliva, it can increase the risk for:Problems tasting, chewing, and swallowing Mouth sores Mouth soresThere are different types of mouth sores. They can occur anywhere in the mouth including bottom of the mouth, inner cheeks, gums, lips, and tongue....ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Gum disease and tooth decay Yeast infection in the mouth (thrush) ThrushThrush is a yeast infection of the tongue and lining of the mouth.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Your mouth may produce a bit less saliva as you get older. But medical problems that occur in older adults are more common causes of dry mouth:Many medicines, such as some used to treat high blood pressure, high cholesterol, pain, and depression, can reduce the amount of saliva you produce. This is probably the most common cause of dry mouth in older adults. Side effects from cancer treatment can cause dry mouth. Health conditions such as diabetes, stroke, and Sjögren syndrome can affect your ability to produce saliva. Sjögren syndromeSjögren syndrome is an autoimmune disorder in which the glands that produce tears and saliva are destroyed. This causes dry mouth and dry eyes. The...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article GUM PROBLEMSReceding gums are common in older adults. This is when the gum tissue pulls away from the tooth, exposing the base, or root, of the tooth. This makes it easy for bacteria to build up and cause inflammation and decay.A lifetime of brushing too hard can cause gums to recede. However, gum disease (periodontal disease) is the most common cause of receding gums. Gingivitis is an early type of gum disease. It occurs due when plaque and tartar build up and irritate and inflame the gums. Severe gum disease is called periodontitis. It can lead to loss of teeth.GingivitisGingivitis is inflammation of the gums.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article PeriodontitisPeriodontitis is inflammation and infection of the ligaments and bones that support the teeth.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Certain conditions and diseases common in older adults can put them at risk for periodontal disease.Not brushing and flossing every day Not getting regular dental care Smoking Diabetes Dry mouth Weak immune system CAVITIES Dental cavities occur when bacteria in the mouth (contained in plaque) changes sugars and starches from food into acid. This acid attacks tooth enamel and can lead to cavities.Dental cavitiesDental cavities are holes (or structural damage) in the teeth.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Cavities are common in older adults in part because more adults are keeping their teeth for their lifetime. Because older adults often have receding gums, cavities are more likely to develop at the root of the tooth. Dry mouth also causes bacteria to build up in the mouth more easily, leading to tooth decay.ORAL CANCEROral cancer is more common in people older than age 45 and is twice as common in men as in women.Oral cancerOral cancer is cancer that starts in the mouth.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Smoking and other types of tobacco use are the most common cause of oral cancer. Drinking alcohol in excess along with tobacco use greatly increases the risk for oral cancer.Other factors that may increase the risk for oral cancer include:Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection (same virus that causes genital warts and several other cancers) Poor dental and oral hygiene Taking medicines that weaken the immune system (immunosuppressants) Rubbing from rough teeth, dentures, or fillings over a long period of timeHow to Protect Your Teeth and GumNo matter what your age, proper dental care can keep your teeth and gums healthy.Proper dental careTooth decay and gum disease are caused by plaque, a sticky combination of bacteria and food. Plaque begins to build up on teeth within a few minutes...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Brush twice a day with a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Floss at least once a day. See your dentist for regular check-ups. Avoid sweets and sugar-sweetened beverages. Do not smoke or use tobacco.If medicines are causing dry mouth, talk with your health care provider to see if you may be able to change medicines. Ask about artificial saliva or other products to help keep your mouth moist.When to Call the DoctorYou should contact your dentist if you notice:Tooth pain Red or swollen gums Dry mouth Mouth sores White or red patches in mouth Bad breath Loose teeth Poorly-fitting denturesOpen ReferencesReferencesNiessen LC, Gibson G, Hartshorn JE. Geriatric patients. In: Stefanac SJ, Nesbit SP, eds. Diagnosis and Treatment Planning in Dentistry. 3rd ed. St Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2017:chap 17.Needleman I. Aging and the periodontium. In: Newman MG, Takei HH, Klokkevold PR, Carranza FA, eds. Newman and Carranza's Clinical Periodontology. 13th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 4.Schrieber A, Alsabban L, Fulmer T, Glickman R. Geriatric dentistry: maintaining oral health in the geriatric population. In: Fillit HM, Rockwood K, Young J, eds. Brocklehurst's Textbook of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2017:chap 110.