(This article by Dr. Allen Edwards originally appeared in the September 2026 issue of Military Officer magazine.)

As we live longer, healthier lives, maintaining strong oral health becomes an essential part of aging well. While it’s easy to think of dental care as routine, the truth is our mouths change significantly as we grow older. These changes can influence everything from proper nutrition to our mental health, making oral health a key pillar of overall well-being.

One of the most common age-related challenges is dry mouth. Older adults take medications for chronic medical conditions, and many of these drugs — antidepressants, antihistamines, diuretics, and antihypertensives, to name a few — reduce saliva flow. Saliva can, by neutralizing acids in foods and liquids, protect our teeth, helping us to chew and swallow comfortably.

Staying hydrated, using saliva-stimulating products like lozenges, gums, gels, and sprays, and discussing medication options with a health care provider can help manage dry mouth.

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In addition, gum disease becomes more prevalent as we age. Plaque buildup, combined with chronic conditions like diabetes or heart disease, makes gum tissue vulnerable to inflammation and infection. Left untreated, gum disease can cause tooth loss, which affects your appearance, nutrition, speech, and quality of life.

Regular dental cleanings, brushing with fluoride toothpaste, and flossing between meals remain the best defenses against gum disease.

Tooth wear also accumulates over time. Decades of chewing, grinding, or eating acidic foods can erode enamel, making teeth more sensitive and prone to decay. Older adults might also experience receding gums, which leads to tooth sensitivity and exposes the softer root surfaces to decay.

Ask your dentist about providing targeted fluoride treatments or protective dental coatings on root surfaces to address these problems.

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For those who wear full or partial dentures, proper fit is essential. The shape of the mouth changes with age, and ill-fitting dentures can cause painful sores, make eating difficult, and potentially be embarrassing in social situations.

Regular checkups with your dentist ensure dentures remain comfortable and functional. Importantly, oral health is closely linked to overall health.

Research has shown strong associations between gum disease and conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, stroke, and even dementia. While these relationships are complex, maintaining a healthy mouth supports broader physical well-being.

Aging might bring new oral health challenges, but it also brings opportunities to take control of your oral health. With consistent home care, professional guidance from your dental team, and attention to changes in the mouth, older adults can protect their smiles and preserve their quality of life. A healthy mouth is more than a nice smile — it’s a vital part of aging with confidence and comfort.

Dr. Allen Edwards is principal advisor for government programs at Delta Dental.