As people age, their dental care needs also change to reflect that aging process. Even seniors who engage in the basic good practices of oral hygiene can face new oral and dental challenges that accompany advanced age.
Seniors can suffer from
gum disease that may arise due to poor dental hygiene, insufficient diet or ill-fitting dental appliances. Plaque can build up on the gums and cause infections that damage both the gums and bones that hold teeth together. Sometimes, gums can become tender and bleed, in a condition referred to as gingivitis. There could also be complications related to conditions such as cancer, diabetes or anemia. If left untreated, infections can permanently damage the bones, gums and other tissue in the mouth and may even lead to tooth loss. Root caries, or decay of the tooth root, is common among older adults and occurs when the gums recede, exposing the softer root surface.
When a person ages the bone structure that supports their teeth, including the jaw, may shift causing problems with the bite, change in the fit of partial dentures and lead to tooth decay. Age also increases the likelihood of gum tissue inflammation, oral thrush""ulcers and whitish spots on membranes of the mouth""and dry mouth syndrome. Dry mouth syndrome greatly reduces the supply of saliva in the mouth and is caused by using certain medications, such as anti-histamines, anti-hypertensives and anti-depressants. It can also occur after radiation therapy to the head or neck. If left untreated, it can contribute to widespread tooth decay. Oral thrush is the result of a fungal disease that affects the immune system. Seniors may also suffer from constant bad breath and bad taste due to result of medical conditions and infections.
Some seniors find they are losing their appetite due to a change their sense of taste. This can occur due to a number of factors including an age-related decrease in the sense of taste or smell, certain diseases, medications or even due to their dentures.
Although those over 65 account for only 12 percent of the US population, they consume around 30 percent of all prescription medications. Many of these can have a negative impact on the oral health.
Oral cancer occurs mostly in older adults, with a median age of 64 at diagnosis.3 First symptoms would be red or white patches on the gums or tongue, and sores that do not heal within two weeks.4 Tobacco and alcohol use are the most common risk factors.
Other dental care issues depend on the relative health and mobility of seniors, as opposed to their age. Seniors now account for one eighths of the American population, and will make up one fifth of the population by 2050.5 As the proportion of seniors in the general population has increased, the number of studies into their health has increased to reflect the trend, and there are many studies focusing on seniors and dental health.
For study purposes scientists classify seniors into three categories: independent, frail, or functionally dependent. This health status is essentially dynamic, with an individual who is independent today, becoming frail or functionally dependent after suffering from illness or accident. But they may also go on to recover from acute illness and regain their independence. The dental health issues facing each category may be different.
Those who are independent can take care of their own dental health just like younger adults. But, they may have issues of mobility, affordability and other medical problems that prevent them from obtaining or maintaining proper dental care. Dementing illnesses or physical impairments can reduce the ability to perform oral self-care. Those who have medical conditions such as arthritis or have suffered a stroke may find daily personal dental care difficult or challenging. Certain medications they take may contribute to worsening dental problems. Some people also tend to brush their teeth less often and do so for shorter periods. Others may fall asleep early and forget to clean their teeth at night.
Those who are frail and functionally dependent""who make up between 5 to 10 percent of those over 65""may need support of others to maintain proper dental hygiene. Research shows that frail and functionally dependent elders who are resistant to mouth care tended not to receive regular care. Other issues such as time, increased workload, limited staff, and the lack of accountability may prevent elders in long term care facilities from getting the oral care that they need.
Tips for better oral health in seniors
Here are some tips from the American Dental Association and dental health professionals:
Brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.
Clean teeth daily with floss or interdental cleaners, taking care to floss or clear in between every tooth.
Brush you tongue daily to get the optimum benefit of brushing teeth daily. This becomes increasingly important and as a person ages.
A healthy diet is important for everyone, but it becomes even more important as people grow older. Its never too late to get into healthy eating habits, including more green and raw vegetables, fruits and whole grains. Cut down the consumption of fatty milk products and refined sugar and try to use healthy snacks with sugar alternatives. It is also a good idea to clean your teeth after meals.
Treat your dentures as if they were like teeth. They too need to be brushed twice daily and taken care of.
Keep on brushing and cleaning teeth, without letting anything get in the way of good oral health. There are devices that can help decrease arthritis pain while brushing and special brushes that can help reach difficult-to-reach areas.
Visit your dentist regularly and take your medical records with you. This is necessary even if your teeth are healthy, it is important to visit a dentist at least once a year. Those who have lost all their natural teeth should still see the dentist for regular oral cancer exams.
You can lower the risks of oral cancer by giving up the use of tobacco products""cigarettes, chewing tobacco, snuff, pipes or cigars""and by drinking alcohol only in moderation. It is also helpful to use lip balm with sunscreen.
When it comes to oral health, an old saying really stands true: an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
