What makes dental care for seniors different?
In the United States, nearly 96% of older adults have experienced some degree of tooth decay, which makes oral health in later life a significant medical challenge (Lowenstein A et al., Frontiers in Dental Medicine, 2025).
Dental care for seniors is substantially different from care for younger adults. With age, chronic conditions become more frequent, saliva flow decreases and the bone changes, and all of these directly affect oral health. At Dr Haim Aseriel's clinic in Jerusalem, every treatment plan for an older patient is tailored to his or her needs and takes the full medical history into account. Appointments can be held in English, and adult children who help a parent are welcome to join the consultation.
Dental care for seniors in the Israeli health basket (age 72+)
According to Israel's Ministry of Health, residents aged 72 and over are entitled through the national health basket (סל הבריאות, sal habriut) to dental treatment free of charge or with a reduced copayment, under set conditions and frequency:
- Preventive care: a periodic checkup, bitewing X-rays and scaling.
- Restorative care: fillings, root canal treatment and extractions.
- Rehabilitative treatments on the basket list.
- Complete and partial dentures.
- Up to 4 implants to retain a complete lower denture.
Treatments that are not on the basket list, such as cosmetic treatments, are not included in this framework. Eligibility, copayments and where covered treatment is provided are handled by your health fund (קופת חולים, kupat holim: Clalit, Maccabi, Meuhedet or Leumit), in its own clinics or in clinics under agreement with it, so check the details with them. Dr Haim Aseriel's clinic is a private clinic: health basket benefits are used through your health fund and the clinics under agreement with it.
Senior citizens (from retirement age) may also receive a dental subsidy from the Ministry of Welfare, depending on their income, through the social services department of their local authority (in Hebrew); each local authority sets the level of help according to its budget.
Unlike younger patients, for whom prevention is the main need, older adults usually need a combination of structural restoration, gum treatment and prosthetic solutions.
Gum treatment (periodontics) in older adults
Diabetes, the most common endocrine disorder in older adults, increases the onset and progression of periodontitis by 86%, according to a meta-analysis cited in a review (Chan AKY et al., Geriatrics, 2021). Advanced gum disease (periodontitis) can lead to irreversible tooth loss if it is not treated in time.
The risk of tooth decay in older adults rises by about 60% when saliva flow is low and saliva acidity is high; reduced saliva flow is common in people who take several medications (Chan AKY et al., Geriatrics, 2021).
60%
higher risk of decay when saliva flow is low
At the clinic, the condition of the gums is assessed and, when needed, appropriate gum treatment is planned.
Cosmetic treatment, anesthesia and implants for seniors
Older age in itself does not rule out cosmetic dental treatment or implants: seniors can be suitable candidates if their general health allows it.
When bone density is reduced, implants can sometimes be placed together with a bone graft, after a medical assessment and a review of the medications the patient takes. Cosmetic dental treatments such as teeth whitening, veneers and zirconia crowns are also suitable later in life and can improve quality of life and self-confidence. Treatments are carried out under local anesthesia, and light oral sedation on prescription is considered when needed.
Common dental problems in seniors
Gum recession and tooth wear are typical in later life and need adapted clinical care.
- Gum recession: exposed tooth roots increase sensitivity and can lead to root decay.
- Enamel wear: ongoing wear weakens the tooth and can lead to cracks.
- Dry mouth: reduced saliva flow increases the risk of infections and decay.
- Loose teeth: loss of supporting bone can make teeth mobile and require restoration.
Most of these conditions can be treated conservatively, preserving natural teeth as much as possible.
Examination, treatment plan and price quote
detailed and personalized
During the consultation, Dr Haim Aseriel examines your teeth, explains all the options and gives you a transparent price quote, with no obligation. The clinic is at 12 HaTnufa Street, Jerusalem.
Preventive and restorative dental care for older adults
In the United States, about 40% of adults aged 65 and over have significant tooth loss (Lowenstein A et al., Frontiers in Dental Medicine, 2025), but this loss is not inevitable. Root decay is common at this age: according to the ADA, about half of adults aged 75 and over have root decay in at least one tooth, and the ADA recommends topical fluoride (high-fluoride toothpaste, rinses and fluoride varnish) for older adults at risk of decay.
Catching root decay early
Case from the clinic
A 74-year-old man came in for a routine check-up, and early root decay was found.
Treating it early with a filling may avoid the need for root canal treatment or an extraction.
Rehabilitation in stages
At the clinic, full mouth rehabilitation is planned and carried out in stages. Each consultation includes a thorough examination, digital X-rays as needed, and a list of treatment needs in order of priority: pain and infection are treated first, then function and appearance are restored, for example with a dental bridge, implants or dentures. A detailed written estimate lets each patient make an informed decision.
The American Dental Association (ADA) stresses the need to take the older patient's general health into account in every treatment plan. Regular cleanings with a dental hygienist are part of prevention; how often depends on each patient's risk, as advised by the dentist.
For more information, a detailed personalized estimate, or to book a consultation in English with Dr Haim Aseriel, contact the clinic at 12 HaTnufa Street in Talpiot, south Jerusalem; the building has an elevator and a wheelchair-accessible entrance. The clinic provides itemized receipts that you can submit to a private insurer; reimbursement depends on your policy.
Dental care for seniors: frequently asked questions
Dental care for seniors differs from care for younger adults because chronic conditions, reduced saliva flow, medications and changes in the bone become more common with age, and all of them affect oral health. Treatment plans for older adults therefore take the full medical history and current medications into account.
Yes, from age 72. According to Israel's Ministry of Health, residents aged 72 and over are entitled through the national health basket (sal habriut) to preventive, restorative and prosthetic dental treatment with a reduced copayment, including complete and partial dentures and implants to retain a complete lower denture, under set conditions and frequency. Treatments outside the basket, such as cosmetic treatments, are not included; for exact eligibility, copayments and where treatment is provided, contact your health fund (kupat holim).
Dental care for adults in the Israeli health basket starts only at age 72, through the health fund (kupat holim). Before that age, senior citizens who have reached retirement age may receive a dental subsidy from the Ministry of Welfare, depending on their income. The request goes through the social services department of the local authority where they live, and each local authority sets the level of help according to its budget.
Older age in itself does not rule out dental implants or cosmetic dental treatment: seniors can be suitable candidates if their general health allows it. When bone density is reduced, implants can sometimes be placed together with a bone graft, after a medical assessment that includes a review of the medications the patient takes.
Common dental problems in seniors are gum recession, root decay, tooth wear, dry mouth and loose teeth caused by loss of supporting bone. According to the American Dental Association, about half of adults aged 75 and over have root decay in at least one tooth. Most of these conditions can be treated conservatively, preserving natural teeth as much as possible.
Sources
- Lowenstein A et al., Frontiers in Dental Medicine, 2025 – Link to study
- Chan AKY et al., Geriatrics (Basel), 2021 – Link to study
- American Dental Association, Aging and Dental Health, 2023 – Link to source
- Israel Ministry of Health, Dental care for older adults in the health basket (in Hebrew) – Link to source
- Kol Zchut, Dental care for senior citizens (in Hebrew), 2025 – Link to source
