Did you know that one in every eight Americans - about 13.1% of the population - is an older adult? According to the Administration on Aging (part of the Department of Health & Human Services), it is a population that will continue to grow — the 65+ population numbered 40.4 million in 2010, an increase of 15.3% since 2000.

According to Dr. Arwinder Judge, vice president of clinical support at Aspen Dental Management, Inc., “There’s widespread awareness of the importance of good oral health in children, but it is equally important for adults. Receding gum tissue is a common problem as we age, a condition that can expose the roots of teeth and make them more vulnerable to decay and infection.”

So given that May is Older Americans Month, we are offering a couple of posts about the importance for adults and caregivers of older adults to maintain good oral health by visiting the dentist for regular check-ups — including denture wearers.

Just how many people wear dentures in America?

Statistics from the American Dental Hygienists’ Association say an estimated 75% of Americans reportedly have some form of periodontal (gum) disease — making it the leading cause of tooth loss among those age 35 and older. The average denture-wearer gets their first set of dentures in their mid-50s, and nearly 50 million Americans wear full or partial dentures.

Is it difficult to adjust to living with dentures?

Dentures may feel strange at first, but it is a normal part of the adjustment process. Once your facial muscles and oral tissues adapt, your dentures should feel very comfortable. Some people adjust to dentures in a week, while others take longer.

You should talk to your dentist about any concerns you have — oftentimes patients need a number of adjustments before the fit is just right.

Read more FAQs about living with dentures here.

If I wear dentures, how often should I replace them?

While the American Dental Association recommends that dentures be replaced every five to seven years, many people keep the same set of dentures for much longer.

Read more about denture myths and facts here.

But that’s not always the best idea. Dr. Judge notes, “The tissues in the mouth change over time, and bone and gum ridges shrink, which can result in ill-fitting dentures that make eating uncomfortable or downright painful.”

So if your current dentures are uncomfortable, or if you find yourself using more and more denture adhesive to keep them in place, it may be time to visit your dentist for an adjustment or evaluation.

In our next blog post, Dr. Judge will share tips about what you can do to maintain good oral health in “Adult Oral Care Tips for Older Americans Month (Part II).”

© 2012, Kasey P.. All rights reserved.