Oral health after 50
Caring for Your Teeth After 50: What Changes and What Helps
Today’s older adults are keeping their natural teeth longer than earlier generations. That’s good news, and it means a few things deserve more attention as you get older. Here’s what changes, and what helps.
The National Institute on Aging (NIA) notes that, thanks to advances in oral health research, older adults today keep their natural teeth longer than previous generations, and that healthy teeth and gums make it easier to enjoy a variety of nutritious foods.[1]
Gum disease becomes more common
Older age is one of the risk factors for gum disease.[2] According to the CDC, about 60% of U.S. adults aged 65 and older had periodontitis in 2009–2014.[3]
Watch for red, swollen or bleeding gums, gums pulling away from the teeth, and loose or sensitive teeth, and tell your dentist about them.[3] The early signs of gum disease are covered in more detail in our guide.
Dry mouth: often a side effect of medicines
Dry mouth is not a normal part of aging, the NIDCR says. One common cause is medicine: hundreds of medicines can make the salivary glands produce less saliva.[4] Saliva matters: the ADA notes that meals are easier on teeth than all-day snacking partly because the mouth makes more saliva during a meal.[5]
Tips from the NIDCR:[4]
- Sip water through the day.
- Chew sugarless gum or suck on sugarless hard candy to get saliva flowing.
- Cut back on caffeine and alcohol, which dry the mouth.
- Try a humidifier at night.
If you think a medicine is drying your mouth, ask your doctor or pharmacist about it. Don’t stop taking it on your own.
If brushing and flossing get harder
Arthritis or stiff hands can make floss hard to manage. The NIDCR suggests a plastic or wooden dental pick, a floss holder, a floss threader, a water flosser or interdental brushes instead.[6] Whatever you use, keep to brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and cleaning between your teeth once a day.[6]
Wearing dentures? Keep your dental visits
The CDC recommends seeing a dentist at least once a year, even if you wear dentures.[7] A checkup is also a good time for your dentist to look for signs of oral cancer, the NIA notes.[1]
Your general health counts too
Diabetes is a risk factor for gum disease, so managing it helps your mouth as well.[3, 7] Smoking raises your chance of gum disease; it’s never too late to quit.[6] The NIA also recommends a well-balanced diet.[1]
Common questions
Is a dry mouth just part of getting older?
No. The NIDCR says dry mouth is not a normal part of aging. It’s often a side effect of medicines, so mention it to your doctor or pharmacist.[4]
Do I still need a dentist if I have dentures?
Yes. The CDC recommends a dental visit at least once a year, even if you wear dentures.[7]
What’s easier than floss if my hands are stiff?
The NIDCR suggests dental picks, a floss holder, a water flosser or interdental brushes.[6]
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Sources
- Taking care of your teeth and mouth. National Institute on Aging (NIH). www.nia.nih.gov
- Periodontal (gum) disease. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIH). Last reviewed August 2026. www.nidcr.nih.gov
- About periodontal (gum) disease. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. May 15, 2024. www.cdc.gov
- Dry mouth. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIH). Last reviewed October 2024. www.nidcr.nih.gov
- Diet and dental health. MouthHealthy, American Dental Association. www.mouthhealthy.org
- Oral hygiene. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIH). Last reviewed December 2024. www.nidcr.nih.gov
- Oral health tips for adults. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. May 15, 2024. www.cdc.gov
This guide is general information, not medical or dental advice. Talk to your dentist, doctor or pharmacist about your own health, especially if you take medication or have a health condition.