From infants to senior citizens, The Gentle Dentist offers comprehensive dental care for every age. Our compassionate staff is well trained in dentistry for older adults. We focus on your comfort and unique health needs.

Medically Complex Senior Dental Care

As we age, we are more likely to have medical conditions that affect our dental health. Seniors should select a dentist who understands the impact of medications and chronic illness on dental treatment. An expert in the field, The Gentle Dentist’s Dr. Geetha Srinivasan is completing a fellowship in Medically Complex Patient Care at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. In this program, Dr. Geetha is focused on medical conditions that can complicate dental treatment including diabetes, hypertension, infectious diseases, cardiovascular disease, renal disease and cerebrovascular disease.

Comfortable Dental Care For Older Adults

Our caring dental staff takes the time to explain procedures to you and answer any questions about treatment. We know conditions like arthritis can make dental hygiene more challenging, and we prioritize your comfort. If you have any special requests or concerns, please let us know.

Dental Health As We Age

Routine dental checkups are especially important for seniors. As we age, gum tissue naturally pulls away from the teeth, making teeth more susceptible to cavities, root decay and gum disease. According to the CDC, approximately 2 in 3 adults aged 65 or older have gum disease. In addition to the risk of tooth loss and infection, gum disease has been linked to an increased risk for heart disease. Dry mouth caused by medications, or radiation treatment can also contribute to tooth decay.

Other common dental concerns for seniors include:

• Reduced sense of taste caused by aging, medications or radiation.
• Thrush (overgrowth of the fungus Candida albicans in the mouth) caused by medications, weakened immune system or disease.
• Denture induced stomatitis – a symptom of gum infection caused by ill-fitting dentures that lead to the build up of the fungus Candida.
• Gum disease exacerbated by anemia, cancer, diabetes, nutrition deficiency or poor-fitting bridges and dentures.

Recommended Senior Dentistry

Good dental care contributes to your overall health. The Gentle Dentist recommends older adults visit the dentist at least every 6 months for periodontal care, oral cancer screening and cleaning. Remember to bring a list of the medications you take and be sure to update your medial health history.

We accept private insurance only. We also offer an in-house benefit plan that consolidates comprehensive care. Please contact us our office for more information.

Source: https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/basics/adult-oral-health/adult_older.htm