As people age, their oral health often needs change – making preventive care and routine dental visits especially important after age 60. To better understand common conditions, warning signs, and ways to protect oral health later in life, we spoke with Nathan Smith, D.M.D., M.P.H., Assistant Professor in the UAB School of Dentistry.
From your clinical experience, what oral health conditions do you most frequently see in adults over 60?
Dr. Smith says several conditions become more common with age, including cavities, gum disease, tooth loss, dry mouth, and tooth wear.
“These conditions are common, but they aren’t inevitable,” he said. “With early intervention and preventive care, many of them can be managed effectively.”
How do age-related factors, such as medications or chronic health conditions, affect oral health?
Age-related factors can significantly influence oral health, particularly through dry mouth, also known as xerostomia. This condition is often linked to medications or systemic health issues.
“Xerostomia can lead to pain, discomfort, and an increased risk for dental caries,” Dr. Smith explained. “In severe cases, it can make eating and swallowing difficult, which may ultimately contribute to malnutrition.”
Physical limitations can also affect daily oral hygiene. “Conditions like arthritis can limit hand strength and dexterity, making brushing and flossing more challenging,” he added.
Are there red flags that patients or caregivers should watch for?
Dr. Smith encourages patients to pay attention to pain, persistent discomfort, or dryness that interferes with eating or swallowing.
“These signs shouldn’t be ignored,” he said. “They often indicate a condition that needs professional evaluation.”
Which preventive strategies become especially important with age?
Preventive care remains essential throughout life, but it becomes even more critical with age. Dr. Smith highlights fluoride use, daily oral hygiene, and regular dental visits as key strategies.
“Routine visits allow us to identify problems early, when treatment is often simpler and outcomes are better,” he said.
What symptoms should prompt an older adult to seek a dental evaluation sooner rather than later?
Patients should schedule an evaluation if they experience pain when biting or chewing, unexplained oral pain, or noticeable changes in the color or texture of the lips, tongue, or tissue inside the mouth.
“These changes can signal underlying conditions that are best treated early,” Dr. Smith said.
Are there common misconceptions about oral health and aging?
Dr. Smith often hears patients say they no longer need dental visits if they’ve lost their natural teeth.
“That’s not true,” he said. “Even without teeth, regular visits are important to check oral tissues, ensure dentures fit properly, and screen for disease.”
What tools or modifications can help patients with mobility challenges maintain daily oral care?
Dr. Smith recommends adaptive tools such as electric toothbrushes, flossing aids, and interdental cleaners.
“Simple modifications can also help,” he said. “Items like bicycle handles, pool noodle floats, or even aluminum foil can improve grip and make brushing easier.”
What care considerations are important for patients with dry mouth?
Managing dry mouth should focus on symptom relief and prevention. Dr. Smith recommends maintaining proper hydration, avoiding alcohol and tobacco, and discussing appropriate over-the-counter mouth rinses, gels, sugar-free gum, or lozenges with a dental provider.
What guidance do you offer for patients with dentures or partial dentures?
Dr. Smith uses a simple analogy to help patients remember proper care.
“Ask yourself if you would sleep with your shoes on,” he said. “Leaving dentures in overnight can lead to infection and discomfort.”
He also advises cleaning dentures daily with a soft-bristle denture brush and soaking them overnight in water with a denture cleaning tablet. Bleach should never be used, as it can damage the prosthesis.
If you could emphasize a few key messages about protecting oral health after age 60, what would they be?
Dr. Smith points to a few essential habits:
- Maintain regular dental visits, even if you no longer have natural teeth
- Brush twice a day for two minutes
- Floss daily
- Stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet
Together, these habits support comfort, function, and quality of life – and play an important role in healthy aging.
Schedule a Visit with UAB Dentistry
Maintaining oral health is an important part of healthy aging. UAB Dentistry offers comprehensive care for older adults. Options include our campus clinics and external locations, such as the Fair Haven Oral Health Center at 1424 Montclair Road in Birmingham, where you can make an appointment by calling (205) 951-1473. Whether you are seeking preventive care, managing dry mouth, or exploring treatment options, our providers are committed to delivering thoughtful, patient-centered care at every stage of life.