6 tips to prevent tooth loss in aging adults, dental experts reveal

Some may assume that losing teeth is just part of growing older. Around 11% of adults between the ages of 65 and 74 have lost all of their teeth, according to 2020 data from the U.S.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) — and that number rises to one in five at age 75 and older.But according to experts, this isn’t inevitable.

Dental professionals shared the following tips to prevent tooth loss and boost overall health.About two in three adults over age 65 are dealing with some form of gum disease, according to a recently published AARP report.Clinical experts cited in the report, including Dr.Uchenna Akosa, assistant professor and director at Rutgers Health University Dental Associates in New Jersey, warn that bleeding gums can signal a much deeper problem. “Even if you have not lost any teeth, gum disease impairs your ability to chew hard food,” Akosa told AARP.

“That will affect your nutrition and can put you at risk of malnutrition in the future.”Left untreated, gum disease can also destroy the bones that hold teeth in place and may interfere with nutrition and chewing.Gum disease is also a source of chronic inflammation in the body, which can contribute to dementia risk, studies have shown.A meta-analysis of about 34,000 people found that older adults who had lost all of their teeth had a 1.4 times greater risk of developing dementia, as cited by AARP.The publication also points to previous research linking gum disease to other health risks, such as heart attack, stroke and cancer.Experts recommend focusing on early prevention.

If your gums bleed when brushing, or if you notice sensitivity or recession, those are signs to schedule a dental visit. Regular professional cleanings and checkups can catch gum problems before they lead to tooth loss or other health effects.Stay up on the very latest with Evening Update.

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