Aging and Dental Health

What’s life like for the average 60-year-old today? It’s complicated! We travel. Or we work out. Or we relax with friends. We pursue favorite hobbies or we develop new ones. We work, or start businesses, or volunteer for schools, museums, and charities. We practice the art of writing letters or we text our grandchildren. Whatever else we do, we do our best to stay healthy so we can live our lives to the fullest.

Part of living our lives to the fullest means caring for ourselves. And caring for ourselves means learning how to look out for the potential dental problems that might come with age, and how to keep ourselves in the best of dental health.

  • Gum Disease

Gum disease, or periodontitis, is not uncommon in older patients. Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, can leave you more vulnerable to gum disease. Because gum disease is often symptom free, it can remain unnoticed until the disease has progressed. Good oral hygiene and regular visits to the dentist are the best means of prevention—we are trained to discover gum disease in its earliest stages, and can treat it before the disease causes serious damage to gums, teeth and bone. But if you have delayed seeing a dentist, the good news is that there are many methods of treating gum disease available, including antibiotics, professional plaque removal, and periodontal surgery.

  • Tooth Decay

As we age, our gums can recede from the teeth. The new root area that is exposed is more vulnerable to decay because it is not shielded by the hard enamel which protects the upper part, or crown, of the tooth. Maintaining your brushing and flossing routine is the best way to keep cavities from developing. If gum recession is severe, there are surgical methods we can discuss to restore gum health.

  • Time

Cosmetically, teeth can yellow with age as the dentin beneath the enamel darkens and the enamel covering it thins. Years of coffee, wine, smoking and other stain-makers take their toll. If you are self-conscious about the appearance of your smile, talk to us about suggestions for whitening and brightening.

Medically, over time our teeth are subject to damage. Enamel and tooth surfaces can wear away, leaving our teeth more at risk for breaks or fractures that can lead to infection, which can result in the need for root canal work. Simple chewing puts an amazing amount of pressure on the teeth—and if you grind your teeth, there is even more stress placed on them. See us regularly for ways to maintain strong teeth, to repair damage if necessary, and to keep your gums and bones healthy if you are a denture wearer.

  • Dry Mouth

Dry mouth can be a problem for older patients, often caused by medical conditions or medications. When we produce saliva, it helps remove sugar and the acids sugars produce which attack our enamel. Without normal saliva production, we are more vulnerable to cavities. Dry mouth can also lead to mouth ulcers, oral thrush, sores and infections. If you have been suffering from this condition, talk to us. the doctor and our team have suggestions that will help.

  • Oral Cancer

Oral cancer is something we look for during every check-up. And, if you ever notice any change that causes you concern, call us immediately. Early treatment of oral cancer and other oral diseases leads to the best possible outcome.

  • Keep Up With Your Dental Care

The best way to keep our teeth and mouths healthy as we age is with prevention. Regular daily brushing and flossing and office visits twice a year for an examination and a professional cleaning are habits that should last a lifetime. Make sure to tell us about any medical conditions you may have and any medications you are taking, to avoid interactions and relieve unpleasant side effects.

What’s life like for the average older person today? There is no average older person! As we age, we are free to explore our interests in any number of creative and individual ways. But there is one goal we have in common: we all want to keep our smiles healthy and attractive. Call our Cohasset, Massachusetts office for preventative and restorative care. We want to help you work toward an ageless smile!

Our Location

Find us on the map

Hours of Operation

Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

7:00 am-8:00 pm

Tuesday:

7:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

7:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

7:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

7:00 am-1:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Testimonials

What Our Clients Say About Us

  • "I went to Cohasset Dental because my tooth was infected, they saw me right away! Since then they are now my primary dentist. They are extremely knowledgeable, friendly, and they make the whole dental environment less intimidating. I think finding the right dentist is like finding the right mechanic -- I'm happy to say that I have found my dentist. I highly recommend them."
    Heather Rose Marshall
  • "It's really nice to be able to say "I love my dentist!" -- the entire experience at Cohasset Dental is always friendly, professional & accommodating. The front office staff, the hygienists, Dr. Chenette himself -- a truly exceptional team!"
    Jenni Denegri
  • "I am a very timid dental patient. Before going to Cohasset Dental this year, it had been almost 10 years since I had stepped foot in a dentist office. Needless to say, I was very nervous at my appointment.
    Each staff member at the office was so welcoming and kind, I could not help but smile. The woman who cleaned my teeth was very understanding of my fear and worked with me to have a positive experience.
    Unfortunately for me, my cleaning revealed that I needed my old silver fillings replaced. I was excited. But the filling replacements were nothing like what remember. It was quick, painless, and semi-enjoyable (tvs are available for your watching pleasure).
    I would definitely recommend going to Cohasset Dental. And if you are a scared like me, definitely go. They will put your fears at bay and give you an enjoyable memory."
    Karina Tuting
  • "Cohasset Dental is outstanding in many ways; one, its people who are kind, accommodating, and highly professional; two, its cleanliness and caution, especially during covid times; three, Dr. Chenette is a master dentist, but kind and gentle, as well. Highly professional team that respects individual needs. Thank you all for your compassionate service!"
    kathie lee
  • "This was my first visit to Cohasset Dental and it was one of the best dentist visits I've ever had. The reception staff is welcoming and helpful. Brynn did a great job taking my x-rays. Dr. Chenette has a wonderful chair side manner. He even cleaned my teeth instead of the hygienist. He did a good job explaining how my teeth grinding effects my jaw and muscles and how he can help me with the problem. A few minor negatives not worth mentioning. I highly recommend this practice."
    Charlotte Keefer
  • "Having recently moved to the area, I was in search of a new dental practice. Looking no further. This office is great! The entire staff is very professional, helpful and courteous from the moment you walk in."
    Bruce Gehrlein
  • "I became a patient on Wednesday,had some pain overnight and was sitting in the chair Thursday morning at 9am,! Thank you all. Greeted at the door by staff and brought right in to see Dr. Chenette. Great sense of humor which helped me relax on the spot. Took his time to explain in detail what was going on and how to treat the problem. Professional staff,good looking office and felt much better leaving than when I came in. Again, many thanks."
    Francis DiStasi
  • "Everyone at Cohasset Dental makes your visit a pleasant one! They are all so kind and professional. I wouldn’t want to go anywhere else!"
    Jennifer Burke
  • "Dr. Chenette and the staff at Cohasset Dental is amazing! During any procedure they are always checking in to make sure you are doing ok. I've had a cleaning, crown and filling and everything is great! Can't recommend them enough."
    Kendall Salluce
  • "I am a physician myself and this is my first visit to the clinic after being referred by my sister who has used them for many years with her family.

    I cannot say enough good things about the quality of the care provided by Dr. Chenette, Chelsie the dental hygienist, as well as the remainder of the staff, including the office manager, Leslie.

    Everyone was very warm and welcoming and very knowledgeable, with outstanding communication skills. One probably does not see this adjective describing an appointment with the dentist very often, but I would truly say it was a very pleasant experience and I felt I had received great care."
    Francis Duggan
  • "Dr. Chenette and his entire team always go above and beyond with their comfort and care. From the front desk to the hygienists, the entire staff are friendly and efficient. I have honestly never seen a better run practice and my teeth have never been as healthy as they are now. Competency from start to finish every visit."
    Kati Barclay
  • "As someone who is very anxious about the dentist, this place could not be more accommodating/welcoming. Staff go above and beyond, appointments are extremely easy to get, and payments are very transparent as well. Highly recommend!!"
    Hannah O'Gara