Dental Care After 65: The Priorities That Matter Most for Los Altos Hills Residents

More people are keeping their natural teeth well into later life than ever before, which is very welcome. It also means the concerns at seventy differ from those at thirty, and some of the most important problems develop quietly. This guide sets out five priorities we focus on with older patients from Los Altos Hills and the surrounding area, along with practical steps you can take at home.

1. Dry mouth, often from medication

Around half of commonly prescribed medications can reduce saliva. Blood pressure medicines, antidepressants, antihistamines and diuretics are frequent causes, as are some over-the-counter allergy and pain remedies. Saliva does a great deal of quiet work: it washes food away, neutralises acid and helps control bacteria. When it drops, decay and gum problems can speed up considerably.

What helps:

• Bring an up-to-date list of every medication and supplement to your visits.
• Sip water through the day, especially with meals.
• Chew sugar-free gum or use a saliva-substitute product.
• Avoid mouthwashes that contain alcohol, which dry the tissue further.
• Ask whether a higher-strength prescription fluoride toothpaste makes sense for you.

2. Decay on exposed roots

Over the years gums tend to recede, exposing the root surface of the tooth. Roots are not covered by enamel, so they soften at lower acid levels and decay faster. National figures suggest roughly one in six older Americans has at least one root cavity, and untreated root decay is a leading reason older adults lose teeth that could otherwise have been kept.

Brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, cleaning between teeth every day, and letting us check for early root softening at each visit are the foundation. In-office fluoride varnish is a useful addition when risk is high. Our guide to gum recession explains why roots become exposed.

3. Gum disease and general health

Gum disease is common after 65, with around six in ten older adults showing some form of it. Long-term gum inflammation has been associated with heart disease, harder-to-control diabetes, respiratory infections and cognitive decline. Bleeding or tender gums are not a normal part of ageing; they are a signal to act on.

If you have diabetes or heart disease, or take a blood thinner, please tell us. These affect how we plan cleanings and any gum treatment. After gum disease has been treated, visits every three or four months often work better than twice a year. Our article on deep cleaning describes the first step of treatment.

4. Oral cancer screening

The median age at which oral cancer is diagnosed is in the early sixties, and outcomes depend heavily on how early it is found. At every routine exam we look at and gently feel the tongue, floor of the mouth, palate, cheeks and neck. It takes a minute or two.

Please let us know promptly about any sore that has not healed within two weeks, a rough white or red patch that persists, or a new lump in the neck, even if it is painless. Tobacco and heavier alcohol use raise the risk, but many oral cancers occur in people without either, so screening matters for everyone.

5. Dentures, bridges, implants and the teeth you have

Whatever is in your mouth, it needs a maintenance plan. Dentures that no longer fit can cause sore spots and fungal infections, especially when the mouth is dry. Bridges and implants need cleaning at the gumline just like natural teeth. If a denture has become loose, our article on stabilising dentures with implants describes one option.

If arthritis or reduced grip makes brushing harder, an electric toothbrush with a thicker handle and a water flosser can make a real difference. We are happy to show you options at a visit.

How often to visit

Most healthy older adults do well with a cleaning and exam every six months. A three- or four-month schedule often suits people with active gum disease, dry mouth or frequent cavities.

A note on coverage

Original Medicare does not include routine dental care, though some Medicare Advantage plans offer limited dental benefits. We are in-network with the major PPO dental plans and can check what your plan covers before treatment. We do not accept dental HMO plans.

Is it too late to save a loose tooth?

Often it is not. Gum treatment, splinting and careful maintenance can keep many loose teeth in service for years. It is worth having it assessed before assuming the worst.

Visiting the studio

Our Mountain View studio is calm, unhurried and a simple trip from Los Altos Hills via Foothill Expressway or San Antonio Road. If you are anxious about treatment, nitrous oxide and oral anxiolysis are available. Call (650) 917-8348 to arrange a visit, and bring your medication list.