Elderly Dental Care

Dr. Tomlo and his experienced general dentistry team have been established in the Hendersonville, North Carolina area for decades. We greatly value the many senior residents in our community and are committed to providing them with the best dental care possible. There is no reason why an elderly patient cannot enjoy a functional and healthy smile in the latter years of their life. In the course of treating our older patients, we have become familiar with certain trends in dental problems of the elderly.

Xerostomia (Dry Mouth)

Thanks to modern medicine, the average lifespan has significantly increased over the last fifty years. Unfortunately, these same medicines that so effectively combat various diseases and conditions can increase tooth decay. One of the most common dental side effects of many of these medicines is xerostomia – better known as “dry mouth.”

Saliva helps protect teeth. When drugs change the consistency, flow, quality, and/or acidity of a patient’s saliva, their teeth become much more prone to decay. Patients can take several steps to avoid dry mouth and prevent decay, including:

• Sipping cool water throughout the day – Most people fail to drink enough fluids on a daily basis, which contributes to dry mouth.
• Drinking 2% milk or whole milk with meals – Milk helps some people more easily swallow their food, and it has less moisturizing properties. Be sure to brush your teeth after every meal.
• Limit caffeine intake – One of the biggest contributing factors to dry mouth is caffeine. When patients eliminate caffeine from their diet altogether, the symptoms of dry mouth significantly decrease.
• Avoid alcohol (even in mouthwash) – Alcohol can irritate your soft tissues.
• Sleep on your side – This often reduces mouth breathing during the night.

In addition to these preventive steps, several different products are available to help fight the symptoms of dry mouth. During a personal consultation, Dr. Tomlo can help you decide which option is right for you.

Other Elderly Dental Problems

Several other dental problems can afflict the elderly, including recurrent decay around older fillings, oral cancer, receding gums and a poor diet. Often, elderly patients face a shortage of dentists who are trained and willing to serve them.

At Dr. Tomlo’s practice, you can rest assured that we are experienced, trained and fully prepared to address your specific dental needs at this unique time in your life.

If you have further questions about elderly dental care, please contact us today to schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Thomas F. Tomlo, DDS, PLLC. Our office serves the Hendersonville and Asheville areas of North Carolina, as well as the Spartanburg and Greenville areas of South Carolina.