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Teeth and mouth care for older adults
Mouth care stays important at every age. Older adults may face dry mouth, gum problems or dentures.
This is general information, not a diagnosis. It does not replace a check by a dentist or doctor. If you are worried, contact a dental professional.
Common challenges
- Dry mouth – often a side effect of medicines. A dry mouth raises the risk of decay.
- Sensitive teeth – gums shrink back over time.
- Gum disease – it can cause more bone and tooth loss in older age.
- Tooth loss – WHO estimates almost 1 in 4 people aged 60 or over have lost all their teeth.
Tips
- Keep brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. An electric brush may be easier to hold.
- Clean between teeth every day.
- Sip water often if your mouth is dry. Chew sugar-free gum.
- Clean dentures every day. Take them out at night.
- Tell your dentist about all medicines you take. Do not stop a medicine without asking your doctor.
Helping someone else
If you care for someone, you may need to brush their teeth for them. An electric toothbrush can make this easier. Ask the dental team to show you how.
When to see a dentist
- Dentures hurt, rub or do not fit.
- Your mouth is dry, sore, red or has white patches.
- A sore lasts more than 3 weeks.
Related: Dentures and implants · Special care needs
Sources
Paraphrased in plain words. Links checked and accessed 21 Oct 2026.
- NHS (UK). “Dry mouth”. https://www.nhs.uk/symptoms/dry-mouth/ (accessed 21 Oct 2026).
- Oral Health Foundation. “Sensitive teeth”. https://www.dentalhealth.org/sensitive-teeth (accessed 21 Oct 2026).
- European Federation of Periodontology. “What is periodontitis?”. https://www.efp.org/for-patients/what-is-periodontitis/ (accessed 21 Oct 2026).
- World Health Organization. “Oral health – fact sheet”. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/oral-health (accessed 21 Oct 2026).
- NHS (UK). “Bad breath”. https://www.nhs.uk/symptoms/bad-breath/ (accessed 21 Oct 2026).
- Oral Health Foundation. “Dental care for people with special needs”. https://www.dentalhealth.org/dental-care-for-people-with-special-needs (accessed 21 Oct 2026).
- Terveyskylä (Finnish university hospitals). “Suun terveyden talo (oral health house)”. https://www.terveyskyla.fi/suun-terveyden-talo (accessed 21 Oct 2026).