Therefore, a visit to a periodontist may benefit more than an older person's gums. One respondent wrote in that if he notices a skin lesion on the face or neck he notes it and encourages the patient to see a dermatologist for a skin evaluation. Periodontists report more than half of older patients do not understand taking certain medications may affect the health of their mouth. For example, many medications, including diuretics, may reduce salivary flow.
Dry mouth can cause increased plaque buildup, which increases the risk for periodontal disease.
In addition, some calcium channel blockers may cause the gums to grow over the teeth. The majority of periodontists reported that most of their older patients believe they can keep their natural teeth for a lifetime. They also said their older patients are concerned with the aesthetic look of their smile. However, their older patients are less likely than younger patients are to have cosmetic periodontal surgery. The AAP is a 7,000-member organization of dentists specializing in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of tissues surrounding the teeth and in the placement of dental implants.