These days, older adults are more likely to have problems with their teeth simply because more older adults retain their teeth than was the case the past. In fact, the number of older people without their natural teeth has declined from approximately 60% to 26% in the last 40 years. With good care, teeth can remain in good condition throughout the lifetime. However, many people do have problems with their teeth and older adults are four times more likely than younger persons to have decay of the roots of their teeth. The production of saliva generally decreases with age.

As we age, the number and sensitivity of taste buds declines. After the age of 50, the ability to distinguish between sweet, salty, sour, or bitter tastes declines, although at different rates. The decline is greatest for salty tastes. This is known as "crude taste" which complements the function of fine taste which originates with the nose and sense of smell. Both crude taste and fine taste tend to decrease slightly with age which may affect the enjoyment of food.

The lower face and lips may droop due to decreased muscle tone and bone support. For most older adults, these changes do not cause major problems. However, severe cases can lead to drooling or food spills. Weakness in the muscles may also affect breath and/or word formation.

Other common problems

Although these are not part of normal aging, other problems of age (such as side effects of certain medications or ill-fitting dentures) often contribute to oral problems, such as a decrease in the amount of saliva ("dry mouth") or mouth ulcers.

Implications for Older Adults

Older people experiencing a decline in smell and taste and may have a reduced ability to detect specific qualities of food. They may lose the ability to detect bad odors such as spoiled food, body odors, or household odors. They may have a decreased appetite and/or loss of interest in food. This can lead to malnutrition.

Declining Senses Simulations

References and Further Resources on Aging and Oral Health

Web Sites

National Oral Health Information Clearinghouse

Articles & Reports

Lucas, Cheryl. Pearce, Benjamin. Schiffman, Susan. (1994). Reactivating appetite: natural flavor enhancers tempt aging taste buds. Contemporary Long Term Care, 17 (12): 55-56.

Mulligan, Roseann. (1989). Oral health: effect on nutrition and rehabilitation in older persons. Topics in Geriatric Rehabilitation, 5 (1): 27-25.

National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. (1997). Because you asked about smell and taste disorders. Bethesda, MD: National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders.
http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/pubs_st/smltaste.htm

Schmall, Vicky L. (1993). Sensory changes in later life. Oregon State University Extension and Experiment Station Communications.
http://eesc.orst.edu/agcomwebfile/edmat/pnw196.pdf

Steinberg, J. (1995). Graying of the Senses. Journal of National Institutes of Health Research, 7 (4): 32-33.

Walls, A.W., Steele J.G., Sheiham A., Marcenes W. & Moynihan P.J. (2000). Oral health and nutrition in older people. Journal of Public Health Dentistry, 60(4): 304-7.