How aging affects teeth and gums, and dental care considerations for older adults.

Aging brings natural changes to oral health: enamel wears thinner, gums may recede, dry mouth from medications becomes more common, and the risk of oral cancer increases. However, tooth loss is not an inevitable part of aging. Older adults should continue regular dental visits, pay extra attention to root cavities (exposed by recession), manage dry mouth, and consider implants or dentures for missing teeth to maintain nutrition and quality of life.