Oral Health for a Lifetime
by Marsha Pyle, DDS

Surprisingly, many adults assume that tooth loss and dental disease are a natural part of aging. Yet, because of preventive lifestyles, the use of fluoridated water to decrease the chance of cavities, and regular dental care, most mature adults are keeping their natural teeth throughout their lifetime.

Today, about 60 % of adults over the age of 65 years have a significant number of natural teeth remaining. This represents an increasing trend over the last 40 years. Better care and frequent check-ups have contributed to this favorable change. But even with more natural teeth, older adults face special challenges to keeping their teeth healthy.

The May 2000 Surgeon General's Report on Oral Health highlighted the relationship of oral health and general health, pointing out that dental disease and some medical illnesses may have an association. Many older adults take medications for the treatment of medical illnesses. Over 400 medications are known to cause a dry mouth. In addition to being unpleasant, a dry mouth can contribute to the development of gum disease and to cavities that are often seen in older adults, root surface cavities. If medications that cause a dry mouth are used, special attention to keeping the teeth and gums free of dental plaque is very important.

Plaque is the soft material that can build up on teeth and gums if a person doesn't brush their teeth well. It contains the bacteria that causes both gum disease and cavities. Root surface cavities often develop at the gum line and wrap quickly around the tooth causing significant damage. These cavities often progress quickly since they occur on the softer part of the tooth, the root surface.

To help prevent root surface cavities if a person is at risk for developing them, the dental professional can monitor a patient's status with regular check-ups and prescribe fluoride gel products. The fluoride products have been used for many years for children while their teeth were developing to protect them. These products are effective in helping adult patients at risk for cavities, as well. With regular check-ups and preventive measures at home, most adults enjoy a full lifetime of a healthy mouth and teeth.

Marsha A. Pyle, D.D.S., M.Ed.
Associate Professor
Department of Oral Diagnosis & Radiology
Case Western Reserve University
School of Dentistry