The crunch of biting into a ripe apple, the sweet buttery taste of corn on the cob, the chewy goodness of juicy steak — these are all sensations that some older adults can no longer enjoy as the result of tooth loss.

Some 27 percent of people over the age of 65 have no remaining teeth, according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. The average person in that age group, however, has about 19 pearly whites left.

Most people will tell you that the first thing they notice when meeting new people is their smile. Not only is it a visual symbol our personality, but strong teeth are also important for the chewing and enjoyment of food.

At Hollywood Smile Dental in Rego Park, Dr. Yefim Khanimov and his staff specialize in making their clients look and feel their best, offering a myriad of services to meet any need.

   “Don’t be afraid of the dentist,” said Dr. Shilpa Trivedi, senior doctor of Flushing’s Preferred Dental Care.

   For most patients and most dental offices, that’s a tough sell. But not at Preferred Dental, conveniently located across the street from Flushing Hospital, where the latest technology and a caring staff combine to make a visit to the dentist as pleasant and painless as possible.

   “Don’t be afraid of the dentist,” said Dr. Shilpa Trivedi, senior doctor of Flushing’s Preferred Dental Care.

   For most patients and most dental offices, that’s a tough sell. But not at Preferred Dental, conveniently located across the street from Flushing Hospital, where the latest technology and a caring staff combine to make a visit to the dentist as pleasant and painless as possible.

As Baby Boomers look for better ways to maintain their smiles, dental specialists are perfecting new technologies, such as dental implants, that look, feel and function like natural teeth. Dental implants are anchored in the jawbone as replacement roots and act as permanent teeth and can last for more than 30 years. The procedure is best performed by a prosthodontist, a dentist who has received special training. To find a prosthodontist, visit www.findaprosthodontist .com or contact the American College of Prosthodontists at 800-378-1260.