By Cosmetic & Laser Dental Spa of Richmond – Dr. Sarah Wilmer, Trusted Dentist Serving Manakin-Sabot & Richmond, VA

A confident smile isn’t just about teeth—it starts with healthy gums. For adults over 60, maintaining strong gum health is essential not only for your oral wellness but also your overall health and vitality. At Cosmetic & Laser Dental Spa of Richmond, Dr. Sarah Wilmer and her team specialize in helping mature patients protect their smiles with personalized, gentle care.

If you're ready to stay ahead of gum disease, tooth loss, and discomfort, these practical strategies will help you maintain healthy gums for life.

Gum Health & Life After 60: Why It Deserves Your Attention

As we age, our gums often face new challenges—from medication-induced dry mouth to decades of wear and tear on oral tissues. Unfortunately, many gum issues develop silently, leading to bleeding, inflammation, and even tooth loss if left unchecked.

At our Manakin-Sabot dental spa, we take gum care seriously—because it plays a powerful role in everything from cardiovascular health to your immune system.

1. Dental Visits Every 3 Months Keep Gums in Top Shape

If you’re over 60, visiting your dentist every six months isn’t always enough. Dr. Wilmer recommends three-month hygiene visits for seniors—especially those with past gum issues, dry mouth, or complex dental work.

At each visit, we:

• Evaluate your gum tissue and screen for inflammation

• Monitor bone levels and gum recession

• Check for oral cancer and early signs of infection

• Offer personalized recommendations for your home care routine

Pro tip: If you’ve noticed chronic bad breath, bleeding gums, or gum tenderness, ask us about Gum Infection Therapy—a gentle, non-surgical treatment that targets harmful bacteria and helps restore gum health comfortably.

2. Eat Your Way to Stronger Gums

It’s not just what you brush with—it’s what you eat. A healthy diet gives your body the tools it needs to repair tissues, fight inflammation, and maintain gum integrity.

Nutrients That Support Gum Health:

• Vitamin C: Crucial for gum tissue repair—found in citrus fruits, red peppers, and strawberries

• Omega-3 fatty acids: Naturally anti-inflammatory—think salmon, flaxseed, and walnuts

• Vitamin D & Calcium: Protect against bone loss and support healthy teeth—dairy, eggs, leafy greens

• Green tea: Rich in antioxidants that fight gum bacteria

If you’ve had trouble chewing nutritious foods, ask us about dental implants to replace missing teeth, or implant-stabilized dentures. These modern dentures offer improved stability, reduced irritation, and let you enjoy a more varied (and healthier) diet.

3. Update Your Home Oral Care Routine

Your brushing and flossing habits matter more than ever. Daily care keeps plaque from building up around the gumline, where it can trigger gum disease and even damage underlying bone.

We recommend:

• Brushing twice a day with a soft-bristled or electric toothbrush

• Using fluoride toothpaste that supports both gum and enamel health

• Flossing, or using interdental brushes or a water flosser if floss is tricky

• Rinsing with alcohol-free mouthwash formulated for dry mouth

• Staying well-hydrated to support saliva flow

Need a customized home care plan? We’re happy to help you simplify your routine without sacrificing effectiveness.

4. Don’t Let Dry Mouth Lead to Root Cavities or Gum Disease

Dry mouth is more than just uncomfortable—it’s a gateway to gum problems and root caries, a type of tooth decay that affects the exposed roots when gums recede.

Common triggers include:

• Blood pressure, allergy, or antidepressant medications

• Health conditions like diabetes or Sjögren’s syndrome

• Dehydration or radiation therapy

Dry mouth reduces saliva, which normally neutralizes acid and washes away harmful bacteria. Without that defense, cavities can form rapidly at the gumline, and gum inflammation can worsen.

Solutions include:

• Drinking water frequently

• Using dry mouth rinses or moisturizing sprays

• Chewing sugar-free xylitol gum

• Limiting alcohol and caffeine

If you’re noticing sticky mouth, cracked lips, or increased cavities, it’s time to talk to Dr. Wilmer about dry mouth management.

Your Gums Deserve the Same Care as Your Heart

Strong gums = strong smile = strong you. At Cosmetic & Laser Dental Spa of Richmond, we offer comprehensive, compassionate care that supports your health, comfort, and confidence—at every stage of life.

📞 Call us at (804) 784-2386 or visit www.sarahwilmerdds.com to schedule your next visit. Let’s keep your smile healthy for the long haul.