Dental health after 60: gums, dry mouth, and why it matters
Topic: Health Basics
Reading time: 2 min
If you’ve ever heard “it’s just your teeth,” this is your permission to ignore that. Oral health connects to nutrition, sleep, confidence, and overall health.
Common issues with age
- Dry mouth (often medication-related)
- Gum disease (can be quiet until it’s advanced)
- Tooth sensitivity and root exposure
- Dentures/implants needing adjustment over time
What helps
- Regular dental visits (ask what schedule fits you).
- Daily brushing and flossing (or interdental brushes).
- Address dry mouth: hydration, sugar-free gum/lozenges, review meds with your clinician.
Why dry mouth matters: It can raise cavity risk and make chewing/swallowing harder, which affects nutrition.
What to ask your dentist and clinician
- “Could my medications be causing dry mouth?”
- “Do I have signs of gum disease?”
- “What’s the best cleaning routine for my dental work (implants/bridges)?”
Ask your clinician (starter questions)
- “What’s the most likely explanation in my case?”
- “What serious causes are we ruling out?”
- “Could any medications or supplements contribute?”
- “What’s the simplest next step?”
- “What should make me call you sooner or seek urgent care?”
If you want to prepare for a visit, try the Doctor Visit Checklist. For general support, browse Topics.