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Some people may think Losing teeth Just part of the growth.
According to the 2020 data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 11% of adults aged 65 to 74 have lost all their teeth, a figure higher than the age of 75 and older.
But according to experts, this is not inevitable. Dental professionals share the following tips to prevent tooth loss and improve overall health.
1. Protect gum health
About two-thirds of adults over 65 are dealing with some form of Gum diseaseAccording to the recently released AARP report.
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Clinical experts cited in the report, including Dr. Uchenna Akosa, assistant professor and director of dental at Rotters Health University in New Jersey, warned that bleeding gums would indicate a deeper problem.
“Even if you don’t have teeth falling, gum disease can damage your ability to chew hard food,” Akosa told AARP. “That will Influence your nutrition And may put you at risk of future malnutrition. ”

If your gums are bleeding while brushing, or you notice sensitivity or recession, these are signs of scheduling dental visits. (iStock)
Untreated gum disease can also damage the bones that fix the teeth and can interfere with nutrition and chewing.
Gingival disease is also the source of chronic inflammation in the body, which may help Risk of dementiaresearch shows. A meta-analysis of approximately 34,000 people found that older people who lost all their teeth had a 1.4-fold higher risk of dementia, as quoted by AARP.
The publication also points to previous studies linking gum disease to other health risks, e.g. Heart attackstroke and cancer.
Between the age of 65 and 74, about 11% of adults lose all their teeth.
Experts recommend focusing on early prevention. If your gums are bleeding while brushing, or you notice sensitivity or recession, these are signs of scheduling dental visits.
Regular professional cleaning and examinations may detect gum problems before causing tooth loss or other health effects.

According to AARP, people who lose all their teeth have a 1.4-fold higher risk of dementia. (iStock)
AARP reports that switching to an electric toothbrush, brushing twice a day, using floss is an effective way Chewing gum health.
Your perfect smile in Beverly Hills, California beauty dentist David Frey says he often recommends water floss (especially Waterpik’s sound fusion) to older patients.
“This is for Patients with arthritislimited mobility or hassle with traditional floss. ” Frey told Fox News Digital.
2. Take steps to prevent dry mouth
According to AARP, saliva plays a crucial role in neutralizing acid and protecting dental enamel, but dry mouth affects six in one-tenth of older people.
Many common medicines WebMD notes that including antihistamines, antidepressants and blood pressure drugs – can reduce saliva production and make the mouth more susceptible to decay, infections and gum disease.
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To prevent dryness of the mouth, AARP recommends drinking water regularly, rinsing your mouth after eating, asking your dentist about the prescription strength fluoride toothpaste, and using a dry mouth rinse liquid such as biotene or ACT (ACT).
3. Personalize your dental visits
Contrary to the standard six-month inspection rule, the AARP states that dental care schedules should be personalized.
One doctor in the report noted that “there is nothing magical about a six-month checkup” – some people may only need once a year, while others, especially those with chronic conditions, may require more frequent visits.

According to AARP, the recommended frequency of teeth visits is not a certain degree of frequency. Some may only need to be once a year, while others, especially those with chronic conditions, may require more frequent visits. (iStock)
Frey said oral health problems in older people often don’t get attention, especially those related to occlusal consistency.
“The issues related to bite are often the source of neglect Headache and neck pain,” he told Fox News Numbers. “Not at all told, tension, dislocation and chin dysfunction may manifest in ways that may seem unrelated at first glance. ”
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Assessing the position of the bite and jaw health sometimes reveals the root causes of chronic discomfort, Frey notes.
“When I combine 3D imaging with a careful examination of my teeth (wearing surfaces, tiny fractures and fragments), it usually shows that the muscles around the head and neck are not consistent with the bite.”
4. Explore financial help options
According to the American Dental Association, only one in 10 adults with adults over the age of 65 have dental insurance, and health insurance generally does not cover cleaning, fillings, or other routine procedures.

Experts say many common drugs can reduce saliva production and make the mouth more susceptible to rotting. (iStock)
This financial gap often causes people to skip dental care altogether, which can lead to more serious (and expensive) problems in the future.
AARP recommends that if coverage is a problem, research dental savings plans, local dental schools, or community clinics on sliding scale.
5. Develop healthy habits
Smoking is Key Contributors Teeth loss.
CDC data show that smokers are three times more likely to lose all their teeth than non-smokers.

CDC data shows that smokers are three times more likely to lose all their teeth than non-smokers. (iStock)
Experts warn that while sugary coughs or hard candies seem harmless, they can damage teeth enamel over time.
Akosa told AARP that switching to sugar-free gum or candies containing xylitol may help prevent tooth decay and support better oral health.
6. Restore appearance
One of the biggest misunderstandings about aging and dental health is that wear-out, discolored teeth are simply acceptable, Frey said.
“It’s not just about rejuvenating teeth, it’s about rejuvenating that person.”
“A delicate, thin porcelain veneer restores the vitality, color and shapes your teeth, thereby enhancing your smile and overall appearance,” he told Fox News Digital.
“It’s not just cosmetics, it also involves restoring health, confidence and proper functioning.”

AARP reports that switching to an electric toothbrush, brushing twice a day for 2 minutes, and flossing is an effective way to protect gum health. (iStock)
“It’s not just rejuvenating teeth, it’s rejuvenating people,” Dr. Frey said.
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For those who want to make themselves smile, Erin Fraundorf, founder of Boca Orthodontic and Whitening Studio in St. Louis, recommends trying to see a dentist before trying any whitening treatments in the AARP report.
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“Office treatment remains the safest and most effective option, while professional-grade rental kits and OTC products may be very suitable for maintenance,” Frandorf said.