September Is Healthy Aging Month: Why Denture Health Matters More Than You Think

Aging patients often struggle with proper nutrition, not just due to poor appetite or systemic health, but because their removable prosthesis no longer supports effective chewing. Ill-fitting or worn dentures can lead to:

• Avoidance of protein- and fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and meats
• Increased intake of soft, processed foods that are low in nutrients
• Weight loss or malnutrition
• Poor glycemic control in diabetic patients

This is especially concerning because chewing is the first step in digestion and nutrient absorption. A poorly functioning prosthesis can affect everything from micronutrient uptake to blood sugar regulation.

Getting a removable appliance remade can be considered a daunting task for elderly patients. Some hurdles they might face include transportation arrangements, auditory or visual aid requirements, caregiver availability, or an inability to sit through long appointment times. These pose challenges for clinicians as well, but that should not discourage dentists from initiating the conversation and encouraging patients to accept treatment for a new denture — especially if the patient’s denture is over five-to-seven years old.

Here’s why the age of the denture matters:

• Bone loss progresses under ill-fitting dentures, accelerating facial collapse
• Soft tissue irritation and fungal infections (denture stomatitis) become more common
• Reduced vertical dimension leads to changes in facial appearance and jaw pain
• Compromised retention and stability result in embarrassment and reduced social interaction

These changes don’t just affect the mouth — they impact overall quality of life.

For edentulous patients struggling with instability or discomfort, implant-retained overdentures offer significant advantages:

• Better masticatory function and increased dietary variety
• Reduced movement and irritation of soft tissues
• Improved speech and confidence
• Preservation of alveolar bone

Small-diameter implants, or “mini” implants, can be ideal for geriatric patients searching for a more permanent solution. They offer a minimally invasive surgical protocol and allow for immediate loading when primary stability is achieved. Adding a new service like mini implants to your practice can also show your aging patients that you are planning for their future and their health.

Dentists play a pivotal role in educating and empowering their aging patients. Here are a few ways to integrate the spirit of Healthy Aging Month into your practice year-round:

• Proactively assess denture fit in patients over 60 during recall exams
• Discuss nutrition and the oral-systemic link during hygiene visits
• Offer reline, rebase, or replacement options for outdated prostheses
• Educate on implant options and Medicare coverage for replacements every 5 years
• Create shareable patient education materials that explain the risks of outdated dentures

Healthy aging is not just about lifespan, or how long we live. It’s about “healthspan” — how well we live during those years.

Healthspan refers to the period of life spent in good health, free from chronic disease and functional decline. For aging adults, oral health plays a large role in this equation. Chewing ability, dietary choices, inflammation levels, and even social interaction are all influenced by the condition of their prosthesis.

Poorly fitting dentures may rob patients of their independence:

• They stop eating fresh foods, risking malnutrition
• They avoid outings due to discomfort or embarrassment
• They experience pain, tissue irritation, or speech changes that go unaddressed

Restoring an old prosthesis — whether through a new denture, reline, or implant-retained option — can significantly improve mobility, nutrition, confidence, and engagement. These are all core indicators of a high healthspan.

As a dental professional, you’re not just creating smiles. You’re helping patients maintain their vitality and dignity well into their later years.