Until recently it was believed that aging meant debilitating changes in oral function, such as tooth loss, less salivary flow, mucosal atrophy and loss of taste abilities. Recent research puts to rest many misconceptions.

Myth #1 - Salivary flow decreases with aging.
A common, but inaccurate, stereotype of oral health in the aged is that dry mouth is a natural consequence of aging. Recent studies of healthy older persons show that salivary glands undergo some histologic changes with age; however, the studies also show that parotid salivary flow rates are stable over all age groups in healthy individuals.

Myth #2 - Tooth loss is inevitable as one gets older.
About 15 years ago, more than 50 percent of Americans age 65 and older were totally edentulous. By 1985-86, that figure had dropped to 41 percent overall, ranging from 32 percent in ages 65-69 and 49 percent in those 80 and older.

Advances in restorative care and prevention of disease, as well as increased awareness or oral health care needs, have contributed to significant gains in overall dental health in the older age groups.

Myth #3 - The ability to taste declines with age.
Decades ago it was though that the number of taste buds diminished with age. Research has since shown that no significant loss of taste buds occurs with aging in humans.

Because olfaction plays a strong role in more complex taste sensations and olfactory performance is known to decline with age, it's not surprising that the age stereotypical view of generalized taste deficits persists.