Time takes its toll on our bodies and the oral cavity is not an exception. Typically, the geriatric patient is more likely to have lost teeth, bone loss and become more prone to cavities. Medications and loss of proper salivary glands function leads to decay, usually seen on exposed roots and at the junction of the tooth and gum (cervical). About 25 percent of all adults aged 60 years and older have lost all of their teeth. The loss of teeth may cause disabilities for most patients who wear conventional dentures because they have difficulty performing two of the essential tasks of life: eating and speaking. The loss of teeth usually leads to the loss of bone mass in the upper (maxillary) arch and more so in the lower (mandibular) arch. Without adequate ridges for support the dentures become loose with a decrease in the chewing efficiency affecting proper nutrition. An alternative to conventional ill-fitting dentures would be implant supported dentures.

Dry mouth also increases the risk for tooth decay because saliva helps keep harmful germs that cause cavities and other oral infections in check. Dry mouth occurs when the salivary glands that make saliva don’t work properly. Many over-the-counter and prescription medicines, as well as diseases such as diabetes, Parkinson’s disease and Sjogren’s syndrome, can affect the salivary glands. Other causes of dry mouth include certain cancer treatments and damage to the glands’ nerve system.