Gentle, personalized dental care for older adults, with Saturday appointments, same-day emergency visits, and a trilingual team in the Lake Nona area.
Gentle Dental Care for Older Adults
Geriatric dentistry in Orlando, FL, is dental care designed around the way a mouth changes with age. Saliva can slow down. Teeth carry decades of wear. Gums may recede. Medications can affect oral health. And what worked at 45 doesn’t always work at 75.
At Life Enhancing Dentistry, our geriatric dentist, Dr. Clarissa L. Morales, and our dental team in Orlando build treatment plans around those realities. Whether you’re looking for dental care for yourself or a parent, spouse, or grandparent, our goal is to help older adults keep their teeth comfortable, functional, and healthy for as long as possible.
We take time to review your health history, explain your options in plain language, and consider your comfort and long-term goals when recommending treatment.
Ready to schedule an appointment with Dr. Morales? Call us at (407) 205-9544. We welcome patients in Orlando and surrounding areas, including Lake Nona, Eagle Creek, Narcoossee, Randal Park, and Moss Park, FL.
What Is Geriatric Dentistry?
Geriatric dentistry focuses on the specific oral health needs of older adults, including dry mouth, medication side effects, gum disease, worn or missing teeth, and changes in strength or dexterity that can make daily oral care harder.
It isn’t a separate type of dentistry so much as general dental care practiced with an age-aware approach. That can mean:
- Reviewing your health history and medications before recommending treatment.
- Focusing on prevention for concerns such as root decay, gum recession, and dry mouth.
- Protecting natural teeth whenever that is the right choice for your health and goals.
- Adjusting the pace of appointments when you need more time, breaks, or additional explanations.
- Including family members or caregivers in conversations when you’d like their support.
For older adults, good dental care isn’t just about treating a tooth that’s hurting today. It’s also about making it easier to eat, speak, smile, and maintain your quality of life.
Why Dental Care Matters More as We Age
Oral health concerns become increasingly common with age. According to the CDC, about 96% of adults 65 and older have had a cavity, roughly 1 in 5 has untreated tooth decay, and around 68% have gum disease.
At the same time, more older adults are keeping their natural teeth. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data show that complete tooth loss among adults 65 and older declined over the past two decades, with 12.9% having lost all of their natural teeth in 2015–2018.
Keeping natural teeth longer is a positive development, but it also means those teeth need continued preventive care. Dry mouth, gum recession, medication side effects, years of wear, and chronic health conditions can all affect oral health.
Healthy teeth and gums also support everyday activities such as eating and speaking. For older adults, maintaining oral health can be an important part of maintaining comfort, independence, and confidence.
Common Dental Problems in Older Adults
| Concern | What you might notice | How we can help |
| Dry mouth (xerostomia) | A sticky or dry feeling, trouble swallowing dry foods, bad breath, more cavities than usual | Review the medication connection, recommend saliva-supporting habits and added fluoride protection, and schedule preventive visits more often when appropriate. |
| Root decay and decay around old fillings | Sensitivity near the gumline, dark spots, a filling that feels “off” | Early detection, fluoride protection, and restorations that fit your needs. |
| Gum disease | Bleeding, swollen or receding gums, bad breath, teeth that feel loose | Thorough cleanings, ongoing monitoring, and a personalized home-care plan. |
| Worn, cracked, or chipped teeth | Shorter or flatter teeth, sharp edges, sensitivity when chewing | Restorative and cosmetic options to protect and rebuild the tooth. |
| Missing teeth | Trouble chewing, teeth shifting, avoiding favorite foods | Consultation on dental implants, including bone grafting when needed. |
| Stained or dull teeth | Yellowing from years of coffee, tea, or medications | Cosmetic dentistry and teeth whitening after a thorough exam. |
Dry Mouth, Medications, and Polypharmacy
Saliva helps rinse away food, neutralize acids, protect teeth from decay, and make chewing and swallowing easier. When saliva production decreases, cavities and gum problems can develop more quickly.
Dry mouth isn’t simply an unavoidable part of getting older. Medications are a common cause, including some medications used for blood pressure, depression and anxiety, allergies, bladder control, and pain. Taking multiple medications can increase the likelihood of experiencing dry mouth.
If you or a loved one has persistent dry mouth:
- Bring a complete list of prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements to dental visits.
- Never stop or change a medication on your own because of dry mouth. Speak with the prescribing physician or pharmacist first.
- Ask whether additional fluoride protection may be appropriate.
- Sip water throughout the day and with meals.
- Use sugar-free gum or lozenges to encourage saliva flow.
- Brush with fluoride toothpaste and clean between your teeth every day.
- Avoid alcohol-based mouthwashes and limit tobacco and sugary or acidic drinks.
- Consider using a humidifier at night.
Meet Dr. Clarissa L. Morales
Dr. Clarissa Morales earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Molecular and Microbiology from the University of Central Florida in 2000 and her Doctorate of Dental Medicine from Nova Southeastern University in 2005.
Her scope of practice includes general and cosmetic dentistry, and she enjoys treating children and adults of all ages. She continues her education through courses and seminars and emphasizes relationship-centered care and patient education.
For older adults and their families, that means having an opportunity to understand what’s happening in your mouth, why a treatment is recommended, and what your options are.
Dr. Morales practices alongside Dr. Nadya Aldochine, who leads Life Enhancing Dentistry.
Dental Services That Support Healthy Aging in Orlando
Healthy aging often takes more than one kind of care. These dental services are available at our Lake Nona office:
Preventive and General Dentistry
Regular exams and cleanings help identify decay, gum disease, and other concerns before they become more serious. Our preventive and general dentistry services also include restorative care for damaged, worn, or decayed teeth.
Dental Implants
Dental implants can replace missing teeth and help restore comfortable chewing and function. During a consultation, we’ll consider your health, gums, jawbone, and treatment goals before discussing implants or alternative restoration options.
Oral Surgery: Tooth Extraction and Bone Grafting
We do our best to use non-invasive treatment, but sometimes oral surgery is the right choice. When a tooth cannot be saved, extraction may be necessary. Our team also provides procedures such as bone grafting when appropriate and gives detailed post-operative instructions to help you understand how to care for the area while it heals.
Emergency Dental Care
Tooth pain, a broken tooth, swelling, and other urgent problems shouldn’t be ignored. We work hard to accommodate dental emergencies the same day whenever possible, which can help you avoid a costly trip to the emergency room.
Cosmetic Dentistry and Teeth Whitening
Aging doesn’t mean you have to stop caring about how your smile looks. Cosmetic dentistry can address stained, chipped, or worn teeth, while professional teeth whitening may help brighten years of discoloration after your oral health has been evaluated.
Geriatric Dentistry Near You in Lake Nona and Southeast Orlando
Life Enhancing Dentistry is located at 9717 Eagle Creek Center Blvd., Suite 102, Orlando, FL 32832, in the Lake Nona area.
We serve patients and families in Lake Nona, Eagle Creek, Moss Park, Narcoossee, Randal Park, Southeast Orlando, St. Cloud, Kissimmee, and surrounding communities.
Our office is wheelchair accessible, with accessible parking directly in front of the entrance. Our team speaks English, Spanish, and Russian, making it easier for patients and family members to communicate about symptoms, treatment options, and home care.
Office hours:
- Monday: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Tuesday: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Wednesday: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Thursday: Closed
- Friday: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Saturday: By appointment only
- Sunday: Closed
Saturday appointments are available by request, and we work hard to accommodate dental emergencies the same day when possible.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
A first appointment should feel like a conversation, not a rush. Here’s how it typically goes:
- We listen. Tell us what’s bothering you, what you’re concerned about, and what you want from your dental care.
- We review your health history and medications. This helps us understand factors that may affect your oral health and treatment.
- We examine your teeth, gums, and mouth. We’ll look for decay, gum disease, wear, signs of dry mouth, and other concerns, using diagnostic images when needed.
- We explain what we find. You’ll receive clear information about your options, including the benefits and risks of recommended treatments.
- We build the plan together. We can prioritize treatment based on your comfort, health, needs, and goals.
What to Bring
- A current list of medications and supplements
- The names of your physicians, particularly for heart conditions, diabetes, or recent surgery
- Your photo ID and dental insurance or plan card
- Any questions you’d like answered
- A family member or caregiver, if you’d like additional support (just let us know when you schedule an appointment)
Dental Coverage and Older Adults: What to Know
Dental coverage can become confusing as you get older. Original Medicare Parts A and B generally do not cover routine dental care such as cleanings, fillings, and tooth extractions, although certain dental services connected to a covered medical procedure may qualify for coverage.
Some Medicare Advantage plans include dental benefits, but coverage varies between plans and may include annual limits. Standalone dental insurance and dental plans are also available.
Because coverage differs, review your plan’s member materials to understand your benefits and bring your insurance card when you schedule an appointment.
For official information, see Medicare.gov’s dental services page.
Tips for Caregivers and Family Members
Helping an older parent or spouse with oral care can take some adjustment. A few practical changes can make daily care easier:
- Make brushing easier. Electric toothbrushes and larger-handled brushes can be easier to grip when hands are stiff. Floss picks or water flossers may also be easier to use than traditional floss.
- Keep the routine consistent. Brushing at the same times each day and using simple prompts can help when memory is a concern.
- Watch for changes. Avoiding certain foods, chewing on one side, eating less, or changes in oral hygiene can signal a problem.
- Don’t ignore warning signs. Bleeding or swollen gums, loose teeth, persistent bad breath, tooth pain, facial swelling, or a sore that doesn’t heal within two weeks should be brought to the dentist’s attention.
If getting to a dental office is difficult for a loved one, let our team know when you call so we can discuss their situation and the best next step.
Frequently Asked Questions
Original Medicare generally does not cover routine dental care, although certain dental services connected to a covered medical procedure may qualify. Some Medicare Advantage plans include dental benefits, but coverage varies by plan, so check your specific plan documents.
Many people do well with regular exams and cleanings about twice a year, but the ideal schedule depends on your oral health and risk factors. Older adults with dry mouth, gum disease, frequent cavities, or other concerns may benefit from more frequent preventive visits.
No, our dental care is provided at our Lake Nona office rather than through in-home or facility visits. If getting to an office is difficult for you or a loved one, call (407) 205-9544 and tell us about your situation so we can discuss the best next step.
Yes. Let us know when you schedule the appointment, and we’ll plan the visit around your needs. Having a family member or caregiver present can be helpful when treatment options, instructions, or next steps are being discussed.
Caregivers should watch for changes such as avoiding certain foods, chewing on one side, eating less, bleeding or swollen gums, loose teeth, persistent bad breath, tooth pain, or facial swelling. A sore that does not heal within two weeks also deserves prompt attention.