It is strongly believed that the first person who initiates the healing process is the patient
themselves, since they are the first person to observe symptoms. As we age, there are certain dental diseases that are expected to show up. These diseases will be detected if the geriatric community shows up to their regular dental checkups (every 6 months to 1year).
However, sometimes these diseases do not get detected on time because they may show
up between two dental checkups. Thus, it is highly recommended for the geriatric
community to be aware of certain diseases and pay adequate attention to symptoms
themselves. If they are at least able to notice some symptoms, then they can have a dental
visit where they get the treatment they need.
By the end of this post, you will understand everything you need to know about the six most
common age-related dental diseases, such as what they are, their symptoms, how to
prevent them, and when to see a dentist.
Strongly Age-Related
1. Periodontitis¹
What It Is
Periodontitis refers to infection damage that is seen in the gums and the bone that supports the teeth. This is considered an advanced gum disease and will lead to tooth loss if left untreated.
Symptoms
Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
Gum recession (gums pulling away from the teeth)
Persistent bad breath
Loose teeth
Pain when chewing
Prevention / What You Can Do
Maintain good oral hygiene (brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and floss every day)
Visit the dentist regularly for cleanings
Manage conditions such as diabetes
Avoid smoking
When to See the Dentist
Excessive bleeding and gums pulling away from the teeth should be a signal to schedule a dental visit.
2. Root Caries²
What It Is
Root caries develops if recessed gums are left untreated since their tooth roots get exposed. Patients with periodontal disease are at a higher risk for root caries due to recession. When gums are recessed, it reveals the root surface, which is softer and more vulnerable to decay since it lacks enamel.
Symptoms
- Sensitivity near the gumline
- Dark or brown areas on exposed roots
- Tooth pain
- Visible decay near the gumline
Prevention / What You Can Do
- Maintain good oral hygiene
- Reduce sugar intake
- Visit the dentist regularly for cleanings
- Root surface filling
When to See the Dentist
Discoloration or sensitivity near the gumline should be a signal to schedule a dental visit.
3. Dry Mouth (Xerostomia) ³
What It Is
Dry mouth refers to when the aging salivary glands cannot produce sufficient saliva. Xerostomia can commonly be caused by medication (especially medications for diabetes).
If left untreated, teeth will face decay because it is saliva’s job to wash away bacteria and provide important minerals to keep the mouth balanced.
Symptoms
- Dry or sticky feeling in the mouth
- Difficulty swallowing or speaking
- Cracked lips or dry tongue
- Bad breath
Prevention / What You Can Do
- Maintain good oral hygiene
- Chew sugar-free gum or mints to stimulate saliva
- Avoid alcohol and tobacco
- Biotène mouthwash or lozenge
- Drink plenty of water
- Fluoride trays
When to See the Dentist
Severe difficulty eating and speaking, or increased cavities, should be a signal to schedule
a dental visit.
4. Tooth Wear⁴
What It Is
Tooth wear refers to the gradual loss of tooth structure over time. It has four main types.
Attrition
Symptom: Flattened chewing surfaces, worn tooth edges, increased tooth sensitivity, teeth
appearing shorter over time.
Cause: This is caused by grinding and chewing when there is direct contact between two
teeth.
Abrasion
Symptom: Notches or grooves near the gumline, tooth sensitivity, visible wear on the sides
of teeth.
Cause:This is caused by mechanical forces such as aggressive brushing. Aggressive
brushing means using improper brushing techniques and hard toothbrushes.
Erosion
Symptom: Smooth or shiny tooth surfaces, increased sensitivity, thinning enamel, teeth
appearing more yellow.
Cause: This is caused by acids from foods, drinks, or stomach acid. Acids dissolve tooth
enamel gradually.
Abfraction
Symptom: Small wedge-shaped notches near the gumline, minor cracks
near the base of the tooth.
Cause: This is caused by stress and pressure from grinding and biting.
Prevention / What You Can Do
- Maintain good oral hygiene (use a soft-bristled toothbrush and avoid brushing too
aggressively) - Limit acidic foods and beverages
- Wear a night guard if you grind your teeth
When to See the Dentist
Increased sensitivity, visible wear, jaw discomfort, broken teeth, chipped teeth, shortened
teeth, and flattened teeth should be a signal to schedule a dental visit.
Figure 1. Types of tooth wear: attrition, abrasion, erosion, and abfraction⁵
Occur at Any Age but Increase with Age
5. Gingivitis⁶
What It Is
Gingivitis refers to inflammation that is seen in the gums that is caused by plaque buildup
along the gumline. In simpler terms, it is pre-periodontitis since it is considered an earlystage gum disease that can lead to periodontitis if left untreat
Symptoms
- Red or swollen gums
- Bleeding when brushing or flossing
- Tender gums
- Bad breath
Prevention / What You Can Do
- Brush twice daily
- Floss every day
- Visit the dentist for regular cleanings
- Avoid tobacco products
When to See the Dentist
Frequent gum bleeding and swollen gums should be a signal to schedule a dental visit.
Age-Associated Risk
6. Oral Cancer⁷
What It Is
Oral cancer refers to the development of cancerous tissues in the throat, lips, tongue,
gums, or the lining of the mouth, including soft tissue and hard tissue.
Symptoms
- Sores that continue for more than two weeks
- Red or white patches that don’t wipe away
- Lumps or thickened areas
- Unexplained numbness in the mouth
Prevention / What You Can Do
- Avoid tobacco products
- Limit alcohol consumption
- Protect lips from excessive sun exposure
- Attend regular dental checkups with oral cancer screenings
When to See a Dentist
A long-term sore, lump, or patch should be a signal to schedule an emergency dental visit
as soon as possible
References
¹ Mayo Clinic. Periodontitis – Symptoms and causes. Available at:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/periodontitis/symptomscauses/syc-20354473?
² Smiles for Life Oral Health. Root Caries. Available at:
https://www.smilesforlifeoralhealth.org/topic/root-caries/
³ Cleveland Clinic. Dry Mouth (Xerostomia). Available at:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10902-dry-mouth-xerostomia
⁴ FDI World Dental Federation. Tooth wear. Available at:
https://fdiworlddental.org/tooth-wear
⁵ The Dental Arcade. Difference Between Abfraction, Abrasion, Erosion and
Attrition. Available at: https://www.thedentalarcade.com/blog/difference-betweenabfraction-abrasion-erosion-and-attrition/
⁶ Cleveland Clinic. Gingivitis and Periodontal Disease (Gum Disease). Available
at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10950-gingivitis-and-periodontaldisease-gum-disease
⁷ National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR). Oral Cancer.
Available at: https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/oral-cancer
Credits:
Authored by: Omar Halimi
Edited by: Stephanie Diego DDS MPH
Published on May 1, 2026