"Think your teeth are fine? Think again!" Hidden dental problems can impact your health long before you feel any pain. Despite appearing healthy, your oral health could be silently deteriorating—especially as you age.
Statistics from the 2019 national survey in Singapore, which included over 12,000 households, revealed a high prevalence of dental caries and gum disease, with up to 80% of adults over 60 suffering from dental decay and nearly 90% experiencing mild to severe gum disease.
The Importance of Regular Dental Check-ups in Older Age
Did you know that
older adults with at least
20 functional teeth have
better oral health-related quality of life? They can
chew better,
eat more efficiently, and enjoy a
healthier diet, all contributing to improved overall health.
Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and proteins helps maintain strong teeth, muscles, and bones—key components of good health in old age.
1. What You Eat Matters for Your Teeth
- Drink plenty of water to help wash away food particles and acids.
- Choose tooth-friendly snacks such as cheese, avocado, tofu, and yoghurt.
- Avoid excessive hard foods like nuts, bones, or shellfish, which can damage teeth.
- Limit sugary and sour foods and drinks, as they fuel cavity-causing bacteria and weaken tooth enamel.
2. Prevent Cavities Before They Start
- Brush twice daily with high fluoride toothpaste (1450 ppm) to strengthen enamel.
- Clean between your teeth nightly with floss or interdental brushes.
- Consider fluoride mouthwashes or fluoride treatments for added protection.
3. Rethinking Dental Visits: Beyond Regular Dental Care
- Visiting the dentist for scaling services alone will not ensure a healthy mouth.
- Receiving oral hygiene advice and diligently following oral hygiene habits are essential for maintaining good oral health.
- Regular dental check-ups help detect minor dental issues before they become bigger problems. Even without pain or discomfort, visiting a dental professional every six months is crucial for surveillance.
Longer life expectancies have led to an increase in complex health conditions, where dental management may be complicated or influenced by poor oral health. Some older adults with complex medical needs—such as neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's dementia, Parkinson's disease, and other chronic conditions—may require specialised dental care. These individuals may face unique behavioural and medical challenges that can negatively impact their oral health, nutrition intake, and overall health.
In addition to regular and special care dental services, we work closely with oral health therapists, who offer crucial oral health training to caregivers of dependent older adults. This training equips caregivers with the knowledge to manage the daily oral hygiene of higher-need elderly patients effectively.
A healthy smile means a healthy life! Regular dental check-ups can prevent problems before they start, ensuring that a little prevention goes a long way in maintaining your health as you age. Learn more about your oral health options at
Dental@TTSH.