“I’m too old, and I’m going to die soon.”
I hear these words more often than I'd like to in my dental practice, often from patients in their 50s, 60s, and 70s. These are the same patients who are out on the golf course and pickleball courts on a regular basis, attending plays and musicals at the local theater, and taking annual cruises around the world with their friends and family.
When we present a dental treatment plan and hear this response, it's often followed by an uncomfortable silence. I never quite know if the patient wants me to agree or provide a bulleted list of why it’s worthwhile to continue investing in their health.
We love our patients. We truly do. So when a patient says these words, it’s hard to hear and accept. Time is so precious. If we get to live one more day, isn’t it worth experiencing it in health and comfort?
The Hidden Cost of Giving Up
Getting old isn't easy; I entirely get that. What is harder to watch, though, is when vibrant adults choose to decline essential care. Skipping gum therapy means allowing chronic inflammation and bacteria to impact the rest of the body, including heart health. Choosing dental extractions over simple fillings or crowns sets off a difficult chain reaction.
As teeth are lost, chewing becomes a struggle, changing your facial structure and affecting digestion. Then come the dentures, followed by the inevitable complaints about the fit and comfort. When I present dental implants to finally restore patients' quality of life, the cost can feel daunting – and patients wonder why a prosthesis doesn't feel like the natural teeth they chose to let go.
The mindset of “I’m too old” is a limiting belief born out of fear. It assumes there is nothing left to enjoy, give, or contribute to the world. It’s also a heartbreaking message for loved ones to hear, implying that staying healthy for future milestones isn't worth the effort. That hurts deeply.
Inspiration at 90 Years Young
But it doesn’t have to be that way. Let me tell you about a beautiful 90-year-old patient of mine. At the age of 85, she decided to do a smile makeover. Her original upper front teeth were worn down and chipped. She told us, “Oh, heck! Why not?” When we finished restoring her upper front teeth with crowns, she marveled at the results.
She completely lit up! When I say she lit up – her face glowed, she beamed with happiness, and her confidence skyrocketed! 5 years later, she tells me it’s one of the best decisions she ever made.
Then there's another favorite patient of mine, who is well over 90 and has been coming to see us for over a decade. A few years ago, his wife—also a dear patient of ours—passed away. We watched him navigate the grief and pain. As the years progressed, his walk showed, and he began supplemental oxygen therapy. But while his physical health faced challenges, his spirit never wavered. He chose to keep living fully, bringing the biggest hugs, sharing wonderful stories, and filling us in on his weekend plans. Yes, he developed cavities as he got older, but he didn't let that stop him. He did his best, we adapted his home care routine, and he continues to light up our entire office every time he walks through the door.
A More Powerful Choice
If you are on the fence about an oral health decision and find yourself tempted to say, “I’m too old, and I’m going to die soon,” I challenge you to consider the weight of those words
Instead, try a more powerful, honest approach. Look at your dentist and say: “You know what? I’m not quite sure what to do. Walk me through what happens if I say yes, and what happens if I say no.”
That shift is incredibly powerful. It moves you out of fear and puts you back in the driver's seat of your own destiny. I want to live my life the way one of my mentors described his own journey: arriving at the very end proudly saying, "I'm all used up."
Meet Dr. Jeannie Ju
As a dentist, I’m dedicated and committed to the health and smiles of my neighbors in Tucson, Saddlebrooke, and Oro Valley. I believe oral health is a vital part of our overall well-being. Whether I’m diagnosing a treatment plan in the dental office or celebrating a milestone with a patient, my goal is the same: to promote a lifestyle that allows you to live fully, healthily, and vibrantly.
I created this blog because the care I have for my patients extends far beyond the time you spend in my dental chair. I’m thrilled to share insights, encouragement, and success stories that inspire you to take charge of your wellness journey. True health and a beautiful smile can be achieved at any stage of life. Whether you’re coming in for a routine checkup or looking for the confidence to make a big decision about your care, I’m certain these insights will bring a smile to your face.
