Dental Care for Seniors: How Family Dentistry Evolves in Your 60s, 70s, and Beyond
seniordentistry
A closer look at how dental needs shift with age — from gum health and dry mouth to crowns, bridges, and implant-supported dentures.
The mouth changes as we age, and good family dentistry changes with it. For patients in their 60s, 70s, and beyond, prevention still matters — but so does careful attention to gums, existing restorations, and the practical realities of medications and mobility.
Gum health becomes a bigger story
Gum recession and periodontal disease are more common with age, and they're often the reason teeth are lost — not decay. A slightly shorter cleaning interval, careful home care, and monitoring pocket depths help keep gums stable. If sensitivity is showing up along the gumline, understanding tooth sensitivity is a good place to start.
Dry mouth and medication side effects
Many common prescriptions — for blood pressure, sleep, mood, allergies — reduce saliva. Less saliva means more decay risk, especially along old fillings and root surfaces. Simple habits help: sipping water through the day, using alcohol-free rinses, and telling your dental team what you're taking so we can adjust prevention.
When restorations need attention
Crowns, bridges, and older fillings don't last forever. Margins can leak, porcelain can chip, and teeth underneath can decay silently. Regular exams catch these issues early, when a repair is simpler and less costly. If a crown does need replacing, same-day CEREC crowns mean fewer visits — a real benefit when driving to appointments is harder.
Replacing missing teeth
Missing teeth affect chewing, speech, and the shape of the face over time. Options include:
- Fixed bridges — anchored to neighbouring teeth. See about crowns and bridges.
- Dental implants — a titanium root plus a crown, often the closest feel to a natural tooth. See our guide to dental implants.
- Implant-supported dentures — dentures that snap onto a small number of implants, dramatically improving stability.
The right choice depends on bone, health history, and personal priorities. A consultation is the honest way to sort through them.
Comfort matters more, not less
Longer appointments can be harder on older backs and jaws. We build in breaks, use supportive pillows, and — when it helps — offer sedation options. Read our guide to sedation dentistry if that's on your mind.
Care that has known you for decades makes all of this easier. Become a new patient or see our full list of treatments when you're ready.