Proper home care and regular dental check-ups are key in maintaining good oral health at any age.
This means brushing at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing. A professional cleaning and exam by your dentist should be performed twice a year.
Seniors who have full dentures are an exception. An exam once a year by the dentist to check for oral concerns, ill-fitting dentures or any other conditions that might be present is usually sufficient.
For problems that arise between regular checks, you should contact your dentist right away.
What are some oral health concerns that can happen as we age?
Periodontal disease
Tooth brushing difficulties due to arthritis and other conditions
Tooth sensitivity
Root decay
Xerostomia or "dry mouth"
Health condition and/or medications that affect dental health
Care of dentures
What is periodontal disease?
Periodontitis or periodontal disease is a gingiva (gum) disease that affects bone levels, leading to loose or loss of teeth.
Pain and swelling of the gums, persistent bad breath and hypersensitivity are indications of periodontal disease.
Poor oral hygiene, bad diet, stress and smoking are common risk factors. Certain medications including high-blood-pressure medications, diuretics and pain killers, and systematic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer, can influence gingiva condition.Gingiva disease is reversible when caught in its early stages.
Research indicates that antimicrobial mouth rinses are a very effective treatment for patients who have difficulty in performing proper oral hygiene.
What can I do to make brushing easier if I have arthritis?
Seniors with arthritis can have difficulty with brushing. There are a few options available:
Power toothbrushes
A tennis/rubber ball glued to the brush handle (for a better grip)
Handled flossers (for better control)
What causes tooth or gum-line sensitivity?
Sensitivity increases with age due to gingiva recession and periodontal disease. As the gingiva shrink, the cementum (roots) are exposed. Because the cementum is softer than your enamel, the tubules can more dramatically conduct temperature changes through the nerves _ causing sensitivity. Fluoride toothpastes and tooth varnishes (sealers) can help to reduce sensitivity.
What is root decay?
Root decay is a common dental problem with elderly patients, due to gingival recession. The cementum can become exposed and, in being softer, is more prone to decay. In addition, age-based diseases, such as arthritis, can cause difficulty in brushing and allow for increased plaque accumulation. Increased plaque provides a high risk for decay.
What is "dry mouth" and what can I do about it?
Xerostomia or "dry mouth" is a condition caused by poor habits, certain medications or medical disorders such as cancer treatments, dehydration, smoking, HIV, anxiety, stress, hypertension or depression; all of which can decrease saliva production. Lack of saliva flow, which is the natural bath for your teeth, can allow for damage. There are steps that can be taken in one's daily routine to help increase saliva production and thus treat "dry mouth." Some suggestions include chewing sugar-free gum or avoiding caffeine. Asking your dentist about available supplements is a good option.
How should skilled living residents have their oral health taken care of?
Aides who assist skilled living residents, or anyone taking care of a senior family member in their home, should always make sure that dentures, or partial dentures, are removed and brushed on a daily basis. It is important to care for the teeth that still remain through assisted brushing twice a day and flossing.
Where can I find more information on senior dental health?
As well as seeking information from your dentist and your dental hygienist, you can find good information about dental health at www.dental-professional.com, www.colgate.com and www.adha.org.
JoAnn Nesbitt is a registered dental hygienist and works at Delhi Dental at O'Connor Hospital.
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