Absolutely not – older people are at a significantly higher risk of tooth decay, for a number of reasons:

• They consume more sugary foods (sweetness is the taste that lasts longest as we get older).
• Older people, particularly women, have a reduced flow of saliva (from the age of 50). As a result, the mouth is dryer, food particles remain in the mouth for longer and bacteria proliferate quicker.
• Saliva becomes more acidic as we get older, which is conducive to acid attacks and mouth infections.
• The bacterial flora that protects the mouth tends to diminish with age, giving free rein to the bacteria in dental plaque.
• Elderly people may have difficulties brushing their teeth properly, because of problems such as osteoarthritis or muscle weakness.
• They sometimes take medicines that can increase dry mouth.

As a result, older people must be particularly attentive to oral hygiene.