Hamilton seniors live longer with regular dental exams and early care

Regular dental checkups and early treatment can help older adults live longer, and that message is becoming clearer as research improves. Associations between the number of teeth and all-cause mortality have been known for some time, but more recent work has looked at which dental conditions matter most when predicting health outcomes. A large study led by Naoko Otsuki at Osaka Metropolitan University analyzed 2018 to 2020 dental checkup data from 190,282 residents aged 75 and older in Osaka, focusing on the number of sound, filled, and decayed teeth. The researchers observed that seniors with no teeth were about 1.7 times more likely to die from any cause compared with those who had 21 or more teeth, and they found that the combined total of sound and filled teeth predicted all-cause mortality more accurately than sound teeth alone or sound, filled, and decayed teeth combined. Their conclusion was straightforward: as the number of sound and filled teeth rises, risk goes down, and leaving dental problems untreated increases risk. I am Dr. Cindy Li, and I enjoy helping Hamilton families feel confident about their dental health, especially when small, early dental decisions can support bigger goals like staying independent and well.

Why dental exams matter more after 75

In my practice at Excel Dental in Hamilton, I often meet seniors who are doing many things right medically, but they have not had a dental exam in years because nothing feels urgent. The challenge is that dental disease can stay quiet for a long time. Cavities can progress without sharp pain, gum disease can advance with minimal symptoms, and infections can simmer under crowns or around old dental work.

A regular exam is not only about finding problems. It is also about confirming stability and preventing avoidable stress on the body. When we catch issues early, treatment is typically simpler, recovery is smoother, and the risk of a dental emergency drops significantly.

For many older adults, dental health also affects nutrition, speech, sleep, and social confidence. When chewing becomes difficult, people often switch to softer, more processed foods. Over time, that can contribute to weight loss, reduced protein intake, and lower overall resilience.

What I look for during a senior dental checkup

A thorough senior checkup is more than “counting teeth.” I evaluate the health of existing teeth, the condition of fillings and crowns, gum and bone support, bite and chewing function, and how well dentures or partials fit if they are being worn. I also screen the oral tissues for signs of irritation, infection, or suspicious changes.

I pay close attention to the “sound and filled” category highlighted in the research. Sound teeth are healthy, functioning teeth. Filled teeth have had treatment but are stable and doing their job. In real life, a well-done filling can help preserve chewing ability and comfort for many years, but it still needs regular monitoring for leakage, cracks, or new decay at the edges.

I also review medications and medical history because dry mouth, reflux, diabetes, osteoporosis treatment, and blood thinners can change the way we prevent or manage dental conditions. A good dental plan for a 30-year-old and a good dental plan for a 78-year-old can look very different.

Sound and filled teeth: the practical takeaway

When people hear “filled teeth,” they sometimes assume that having fillings is a bad sign. Clinically, I see it differently. A filled tooth is often a tooth that was saved rather than lost. If it is comfortable, stable, and monitored, it contributes to chewing function and overall quality of life.

The key is maintenance and timing. A small cavity repaired early is usually straightforward. A cavity left untreated can lead to a broken tooth, a deep infection, or a difficult-to-manage pain episode that disrupts sleep and eating. In seniors, that kind of disruption can have ripple effects.

If you are caring for an older parent, a useful mindset is this: we are not chasing “perfect teeth.” We are protecting function, preventing infection, and keeping dental care predictable rather than crisis-driven.

The hidden risks of delaying care

Delaying care often turns manageable dental issues into complicated ones. A cracked filling can become a cracked tooth. Gum inflammation can progress to periodontal disease, which can loosen teeth and make chewing uncomfortable. Dentures that no longer fit can cause sores, limit diet choices, and create chronic irritation.

I also see the impact of dry mouth, which is common with many medications. Saliva protects teeth. When saliva decreases, cavities can form faster, especially along the gumline or around older restorations. Without exams, these cavities can progress unnoticed.

Finally, dental pain or infection often leads to avoidance of hard-to-chew foods, social withdrawal, and disrupted sleep. Even if the research focuses on mortality, day-to-day wellbeing is the part families feel first.

What early care looks like at Excel Dental in Hamilton

At Excel Dental, I aim to make preventive care clear and manageable. That often means identifying the highest-risk areas first, stabilizing urgent concerns, and creating a step-by-step plan that respects comfort, time, and budget. For many seniors, we focus on preserving the teeth that are helping them chew well and protecting areas that are vulnerable to decay.

Early care can include professional cleaning, fluoride recommendations, treating small cavities before they spread, adjusting a bite that is stressing a tooth, or re-cementing or repairing a restoration before it fails. When needed, I coordinate with physicians or specialists, especially when there are complex medical conditions.

I also spend time on home care strategies that fit real life. Arthritis, tremor, and limited mobility can make brushing and flossing harder. Small adjustments in tools and routine can make a big difference.

FAQ

How often should seniors in Hamilton get a dental exam?
For many older adults, I recommend every 6 months, but some people do well with longer intervals and others need more frequent visits, especially with gum disease, dry mouth, or a history of frequent cavities. I tailor it based on risk and comfort.

I have no pain. Do I still need an exam?
Yes. Many cavities, gum infections, and failing fillings do not hurt until they are advanced. In my experience, the people who feel “fine” are often the ones most surprised by what we find on X-rays.

What if I have dentures and no natural teeth?
You still need oral exams. I check the fit of the dentures, the health of the gums and jaw, and screen for sore spots and tissue changes. Ill-fitting dentures can cause chronic irritation that should not be ignored.

Are dental X-rays safe for seniors?
Dental X-rays use low radiation and are taken only when helpful. I use them to detect problems that cannot be seen directly, such as decay under fillings, infections at tooth roots, and bone changes.

What does “sound and filled teeth” mean for me personally?
It means that healthy teeth and teeth that have been successfully treated both support function. I focus on keeping your teeth stable and comfortable, whether they are untouched or have restorations.

I take medications that cause dry mouth. What should I do?
Dry mouth increases cavity risk. I often suggest more frequent checkups, fluoride support when appropriate, and practical strategies to stimulate saliva and protect tooth surfaces. We can also coordinate with your physician if medication timing or alternatives are possible.

Can gum disease affect my overall health?
Gum disease is a chronic infection and inflammation in the mouth. While each person’s situation is different, keeping gums healthy is part of reducing inflammatory burden and preventing tooth loss. I treat gum disease with a prevention-first approach and ongoing monitoring.

What if I have mobility issues and getting to the dentist is hard?
Tell me what barriers you are facing. In my practice, we try to make visits efficient and prioritize what matters most, so you are not coming in more often than necessary.

My parent has memory changes. Is it still worth treating dental problems?
Often, yes. Comfort, ability to eat, and infection prevention are important at any stage. I keep treatment plans simple, focus on reducing pain and infection risk, and communicate closely with caregivers.

Are fillings worth doing at an older age?
If the tooth can be stabilized predictably, a filling can be very worthwhile. Early treatment is usually smaller and easier than waiting for a fracture or infection that requires more complex care.

How can I tell if a crown or old filling is failing?
Signs can include sensitivity, a rough edge, food trapping, or pain on chewing, but sometimes there are no symptoms. That is why routine exams matter. I look for cracks, leakage, and decay around margins.

I feel anxious about dental visits. What can we do?
You are not alone. I explain what I see, what I recommend, and why, then we go at a pace you can tolerate. The goal is steady progress and a sense of control.

More Information

For trustworthy Canadian guidance on oral health and dental care, I recommend the Canadian Dental Association at https://www.cda-adc.ca for evidence-based public resources, and the Ontario Dental Association at https://www.oda.ca for Ontario-specific information and oral health education. For broader Ontario health programs and senior-related resources, https://www.ontario.ca can be helpful, especially when you are coordinating healthcare services and supports alongside dental care.

If you would like to book a senior dental exam or discuss a plan for early care, call Excel Dental at 905-529-2164. I am located at 49 East Avenue South, Hamilton, ON L8N 2T5, and I would be glad to help you protect your comfort, chewing, and long-term health.