These patients will be affected by dental conditions associated with aging including dry mouth(xerostomia), caries and periodontitis. Also, patients may show increased sensitivity to drugs used in dentistry, including anesthetics and analgesics.

Critical to dental wellness is an understanding of how aging affects the salivary glands, altering the quality of protective saliva. While studies show that salivary gland function is relatively unchanged in the healthy geriatric population, many medications may cause a reduction in salivary flow resulting in dry mouth, taste aberration and poor oral hygiene greatly affecting their quality of life.

Dr. Starr has been observing his older patients and says that “It is well documented that aging patients with weak and compromised teeth and gums are less comfortable chewing food and tend to have more frequent sores in their mouths due to the thinning of their aging tissues”.

“This discomfort affects their ability to enjoy their next meal. Their nutrition often suffers and their level of frustration often has a strong psychological impact”. These patients often have a shorter life expectancy.

“Dr. Starr ascribes to the philosophy of ‘preserving the patient’s dentition for Life’. So as patients are living longer, he has many strategies to construct, preserve and maintain oral health, function and esthetics” for his patients.

Dr. Starr is committed to providing both diagnostic and clinical treatments that support the aging patient’s dental needs for a longer, stronger, healthier and vibrant life.