Oral Care for Older Adults

Healthy smiles for life! As you age, your oral health needs change. Here’s everything you need to know to keep your teeth and gums strong and healthy.

With expert oral care advice and expert solutions – to help prevent gum disease, recession, sensitivity and other issues. For a confident, lasting smile.

Index

Reviewed by
Dirna Grobbelaar, Oral Hygiene Advisor
Updated on January 28, 2025

As you age, your oral care needs evolve. Age-related changes in the body increase your risk of oral health issues – including gum disease, sensitivity, dry mouth and tooth loss. In this guide, we offer expert advice to help you maintain a strong, healthy smile for life.

Who is this guide for? This guide is for all older adults who want to take the best care of their teeth and gums. Do you wear dentures? You will find our Guide to Denture Care more useful.

Why Oral Care Matters More as You Age

People generally keep their natural teeth longer, and modern dentistry focuses on preventing and maintaining a healthy mouth rather than just treating disease.

But oral health isn’t just about your teeth. The mouth is the gateway to your body, and poor oral hygiene has been linked to serious health conditions, including:

Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive decline
Cancer
Cardiovascular diseases (CVD)
Diabetes
Metabolic syndrome
Rheumatoid arthritis
Stroke

Furthermore, gum disease can impact surgery outcomes. Untreated gum disease can complicate recovery from hip replacements, heart valve surgery and other procedures.

Unfortunately, getting older can make oral care a little more complicated. Let’s look at what happens to your mouth as you age and the most common oral health challenges older adults face.

“The link between gum health and systemic diseases like heart disease, cancer, and dementia is well-established. Maintaining good oral health can prevent these complications and ensure a better quality of life as we age.” – Dirna Grobbelaar

What Happens to Your Mouth as You Age?

Like the rest of your body, your mouth naturally changes over time. If your oral care routine doesn’t adapt, you can increase the risk of oral health problems like gum disease, recession cavities and eventual tooth loss. Dr Johan Hartshorne, from Intercare Durbanville in Cape Town, emphasises that effective plaque control is the most important factor in older age.

Why does plaque removal become more complicated?

Gum recession and food traps – Over time, gums may recede due to ageing, gum disease, aggressive brushing or even genetics. This can expose areas of the teeth, making them more sensitive and prone to decay. You may also develop wider gaps between teeth and food traps, where plaque and debris love to hide.
Dry mouth (xerostomia) – Many medications and conditions can reduce saliva flow, making it harder for the mouth to wash away bacteria naturally and neutralise acids. A dry mouth increases the risk of cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.
Enamel wear – Although teeth do not automatically lose enamel with age, years of eating acidic foods, grinding (bruxism) or brushing too hard can wear it down, making teeth more prone to cavities and sensitivity.
Dental work and restorations – Many older adults have crowns, bridges, implants, or dentures, which require specific cleaning routines to prevent plaque buildup and gum inflammation.
Medical conditions – Diseases that affect mobility – such as arthritis and Parkinson’s – can make brushing and flossing difficult. Cognitive decline – like Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia – may lead to inconsistent oral hygiene habits.
Slower healing – The body’s immune response weakens with age, making it harder to fight infections and disease.

Although effective oral hygiene can become more challenging, the right approach and tools can make all the difference.

“Comorbidities like arthritis or Parkinson’s disease can make even basic brushing difficult. Cognitive conditions like Alzheimer’s may also affect someone’s ability to follow a regular oral care routine.” – Dirna Grobbelaar

Expert Solutions to Common Oral Health Issues in Older People

Here are some proven solutions and resources to help tackle common oral health issues among older adults.

Gum Disease and Gum Recession

Gums can recede with age, exposing the roots of teeth and making them more vulnerable to decay and sensitivity. If plaque builds up in these areas, it can lead to gingivitis (early-stage gum disease). Left untreated, this progresses to periodontitis, which can cause gum and bone loss, eventually leading to tooth loss.

Signs of gum disease:
– Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
– Swollen, red, or tender gums
– Receding gums, exposing more of the tooth

Solutions: For in-depth advice on gum disease, visit our Guide to Bleeding Gums.
Not sure about your gum health? Take the online Healthy Gum Check for a quick self-assessment.

What are Food Traps? Gaps caused by receding gums and missing teeth can create food traps, where food and plaque get stuck. This increases the risk of decay and gum irritation.

Solution: Use an interdental brush, GUM Soft-Picks PRO, or an oral irrigator to remove trapped food and plaque buildup.

Dry Mouth (Xerostomia)

Persistent dry mouth or reduced saliva flow is another common issue among older adults, often as a side effect of medication. Saliva plays a crucial role in neutralising acids and washing away food particles. Cavities, gum disease, and bad breath are more likely to occur without enough saliva.
Solutions: For detailed advice, check out our Guide to Dry Mouth.

Sensitive Teeth

Teeth can become more sensitive to hot, cold and acidic foods with age as the enamel wears down over time and gums recede.
Solution: Use products clinically proven to improve tooth sensitivity. We recommend GUM SensiVital Toothpaste and Mouthrinse.

Caring for Dental Work (Crowns, Bridges, Implants, Dentures)

With age, you’re more likely to have dental restorations like crowns, bridges or implants. These require special care to prevent plaque buildup and gum inflammation.
Solution: Use GUM interdental brushes and oral irrigators for convenience and effective cleaning.

Even if you wear full dentures, daily care is essential to keep your mouth healthy and breath fresh. Visit our Guide to Denture Care for expert advice.

Your Oral Health and Other Medical Conditions

Chronic and acute conditions can complicate oral care.

There is a two-way, bi-directional link between gum disease and diabetes. Read our Guide to Diabetes and Oral Care for more information.

Cancer treatments can also directly impact the mouth, increasing the risk of infections and gum disease. For more information, visit our Guide to Oral Care During Cancer Treatment.

The Ideal Oral Care Routine for Older People

As you age, a consistent, effective oral hygiene routine is essential to prevent gum disease, cavities, and sensitivity. Here’s how to take care of your teeth and gums every day:

Brush Twice a Day

Brushing properly removes plaque and bacteria that cause gum disease and cavities.

Use a soft-bristled toothbrush like the GUM Technique+ Toothbrush for gentle, more effective cleaning.
If mobility issues make brushing difficult, consider an electric toothbrush like the Oclean X Ultra Smart Sonic Toothbrush, which provides real-time feedback to improve brushing technique.
For those who struggle with manual dexterity (e.g., arthritis, Parkinson’s), the Balene toothbrush has a dual-sided head, which cleans both sides of the teeth simultaneously, making brushing quicker and easier.

Tip: Brush for at least two minutes using a fluoride toothpaste to strengthen enamel and protect against cavities.

Clean Between Your Teeth Daily

Research published by the American Heart Association found that interdental cleaning may reduce the risk of ischemic stroke and heart-related conditions. Flossing or using an interdental cleaner is just as important as brushing – plaque and food debris are a leading cause of gum disease and cavities.

If you find traditional floss difficult, try interdental brushes or GUM Soft-Picks, which are gentle on gums and easy to manoeuvre.
If you have bridges, implants or wider gaps, interdental brushes, or a water flosser like the Oclean A10 AirPump™ Water Flosser can make cleaning more effective.
For people with sensitive gums, use GUM Soft-Picks PRO, which are soft, flexible, and dentist-recommended.
Dry mouth? Oral irrigators and water flossers like the palm-sized Oclean A10 AirPump™ Water Flosser are ideal. Hydrating and cleaning the mouth.

Tip: Interdental cleaning should be done once a day. For more advice on how to floss like a boss, check out our Guide to Interdental Care.

Rinse with an Alcohol-Free Mouthwash

Mouthwash can help reduce bacteria, freshen breath and keep gums healthy.

Try GUM Paroex, which is alcohol-free and contains chlorhexidine (CHX) and CPC, the gold standard for plaque control.
Dentyl has a dual-action formula with essential oils, great for gentle, soothing, long-lasting freshness.

Tip: Swish mouthwash for 30 seconds after brushing and interdental cleaning, but don’t rinse with water afterwards. Let the active ingredients work.

Chronic dry mouth? Try GUM Hydral Moisturising Rinse and Spray for long-lasting relief.

Regular Professional Cleanings

A professional clean – with the dentist or oral hygienist – is recommended at least every six months. It enables your dental professional to:

Detect early signs of gum disease and cavities before they become serious.
Perform a professional cleaning to remove tartar buildup, which cannot be removed at home.
Provide personalised oral care advice based on your dental needs.

Tip: For gentle, super-effective cleaning, consider revolutionary EMS Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT), now available at over 70 practices across South Africa. This revolutionary professional oral hygiene treatment scores top marks for its gentle, powerful plaque removal. Find a GBT-certified practice here.

“Effective oral hygiene is critical when you are older. If you’re not controlling plaque, you’ll end up with recession, gum disease, cavities and everything that comes with that.” – Dr Johan Hartshorne, dentist at Intercare, Durbanville

When to See a Dental Professional

You should consult a dental professional if you experience:

Persistent bad breath despite good oral hygiene
Bleeding or swollen gums that persist after improving your oral hygiene
Difficulty brushing or cleaning in-between the teeth due to mobility issues
You frequently experience dry mouth, even when drinking plenty of water.
Gum or tooth sensitivity over a period of time

Early intervention can make all the difference. If you have any concerns about your oral health, book an appointment with your dentist or oral hygienist for expert advice and care.

“Don’t wait until you have toothache. See your dental professional sooner, rather than later when treatment will be more complicated.” – Dirna Grobbelaar

FAQs on Oral Health for Older Adults

What causes dry mouth in older adults?

Dry mouth is commonly caused by medications or age-related changes in saliva production.

How can I manage sensitive teeth?

Use products designed for sensitive teeth, like GUM SensiVital Toothpaste, and avoid acidic foods.

Is it normal for gums to recede with age?

Yes, but with the right care, gum recession can be managed. Regular brushing, cleaning between the teeth with floss or another interdental, and visits to your dentist are key.

Key Takeaways

Oral care becomes more critical with age, and small adjustments can make a big difference.
Regular brushing, cleaning between teeth, and professional care help prevent gum disease, tooth sensitivity, and dry mouth.
Tools like the Balene toothbrush, Oclean A10, and GUM SensiVital toothpaste make maintaining oral health easier for older adults.

Don’t forget that dentures also need daily care—check out our Denture Care Guide for expert tips.

For further advice

For professional, personalised advice, consult a dentist or oral hygienist. Explore our oral care guides for more detailed advice:

Take Action

Assess your gum health – Take the Healthy Gum Check Quiz
Upgrade your oral care routine – Shop recommended oral care products online at Ivohealth.co.za or visit Dis-Chem and select pharmacies.
Book a dental check-up
Subscribe to Ivohealth News here – For a monthly dose of expert oral care advice, exclusive offers and the chance to win exciting prizes.

References

Nazir MA. Prevalence of periodontal disease, its association with systemic diseases and prevention. Int J Health Sci (Qassim). 2017 Apr-Jun;11(2):72-80. PMID: 28539867; PMCID: PMC5426403. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28539867/
Are Older Adults More Vulnerable to Oral Systemic Link? Blog written by Herman Choi, Clinical Assistant Professor of Dentistry, Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC, Dept of Geriatrics. https://ostrowonline.usc.edu/are-older-adults-more-vulnerable-to-oral-systemic-link/
Oral health’s inextricable connection to systemic health: Special populations bring to bear multimodal relationships and factors connecting periodontal disease to systemic diseases and conditions. Yvonne L. Kapila. Periodontology 2000 – Oct 2021. First published: 31 August 2021. https://doi.org/10.1111/prd.12398.