By DaQuan Mebane.
In the realm of aging within the United States, the conversation is often centered on the
aspects of movement, memory, and meds. However, one other area that is quietly contributing to
the general health and self-respect of this senior population is that of their gums. Periodontal
disease is essentially a state of chronic inflammation and infection within the supporting tissues
around one’s teeth. It is estimated that close to half the population above age 30 is affected with
this issue, while above age 65, this number reaches close to 70% and is rarely given the attention
it is due.
The argument is simple: healthy gum tissue is necessary for healthy aging. The
repercussions of neglect do not merely lead to the loss of teeth. Periodontitis has been known to
be connected with other diseases that help shape the demographics of the elderly population. As
the infected tissues from gum disease find their way into the bloodstream and respiratory system,
the body suffers the consequences.
In the case of seniors, the signs may start with gum bleeding, chewing difficulties, and
loose teeth. These symptoms can be easily overlooked and referred to as the natural process with
which seniors must cope, allowing a preventable disease to reach such an advanced stage that
costly treatment is necessary. On the other hand, seniors living in nursing and assisted living
facilities today face significant hurdles to obtain even basic services for their dental needs.
The effects range from short-term to long-term. A poorly maintained gum can lead to
malnutrition. For instance, eating fruits and vegetables can be very painful for malnourished
patients. Problems with chewing might lead seniors to adopt a soft and high carb diet. On the
other hand, this could lead to an issue with managing blood sugar. For seniors suffering from
various health conditions, gum diseases add one more issue on a very vulnerable structure.
The problem lies with the preventable and treatable nature of the disease when diagnosed
and attended to at an early stage. Brushing and interdental cleaning on a daily basis, visiting a
dentist periodically with fluoride treatment and periodontal care can substantially alleviate this
disease. However, this requires access and attention that is not evenly distributed among seniors.
Usually, the discourse on elderly care and the solutions being implemented do not cover
oral health. Medicare is the safety net for seniors and, to this day, lacks coverage for basic dental
care. This means that seniors across this great nation must decide between filling and refilling
prescriptions and their dental needs. It is unacceptable that any one person must make such a
decision.
If we want to take care of this aging population and support the elderly members of our
society, then treating oral health as part of overall health is necessary. It is necessary to
incorporate dental screening with medical check-ups and provide dental coverage for all seniors
and not just the well-off. It is necessary to take dental care services to elderly care centers and
nursing homes where seniors cannot access services due to their limited ability to move around.
We find ourselves living in a time when people are accepting and keeping more natural teeth
than any other previous generation. This is a great accomplishment. However, if systemic change
is not achieved, this issue could potentially be more than just a benefit—it could be a hindrance.
In order for senior citizens to grow and age healthfully, they must do so with healthy gum
tissues. Unless the community accepts the health and well-being of gum tissues as more than
cosmetic and moves forward on this issue, one of the biggest health concerns that seniors in
America face today will continue to be overlooked.
As a dental student at the East Carolina University School of Dental Medicine and a
North Carolina Schweitzer Fellow, I have had the opportunity to work directly with older adults
through an oral health education project aimed at improving awareness of preventive dental care
in aging populations. Through this work, I have seen firsthand how limited access to dental care
and oral health education contributes to preventable periodontal disease among seniors,
reinforcing the need to better integrate oral health into broader conversations about geriatric
healthcare.
DaQuan Mebane
2026–27 NC Schweitzer Fellow
ECU School of Dental Medicine, Class of 2027
The opinions expressed are the author’s own.