One dental goal all individuals should have is keeping their
real teeth for most or all of their lives, which can be done with regular oral
health care as well as beneficial daily habits. However, as people age, normal
changes in both the mouth and overall health can leave individuals at risk for
dental problems. Understanding the natural vulnerabilities that are inherent
with aging can allow patients to successfully manage their oral health while
also preventing dental complications.
Root and Tooth Decay
Senior dental patients often develop dry mouth due to
conditions that require medications or treatment with side effects, including cardiovascular
medications or cancer treatment. Regardless of why a patient’s mouth is dry,
they need saliva to help neutralize acids and bacteria that, over time, can cause
considerable damage to teeth.
As well, seniors who have gum recession should know their
exposed roots are much softer than enamel and thus decay faster. Root decay
could reach the tooth’s nerve portion, leading to infection or the tooth
possibly breaking off the root entirely in serious cases.
At this point, most seniors likely have fillings in need of replacing.
Decay can start easily under chipped, leaky, or broken fillings, so seniors
should keep up with regular dental visits even if they feel no pain.
Gum Disease
Of adults who are 65 to 74 years of age, 25 percent suffer
from severe gum disease. If untreated, patients may eventually develop
gingivitis (gum inflammation) or even periodontitis (inflammation of the bone
around teeth). As well, diabetics, who are more susceptible to infection due to
their blood sugar levels, have a higher risk of developing gum disease.
For those with missing teeth, getting them replaced may be
wise, since gaps can result in surrounding teeth drifting and creating areas where
bacteria can collect, which is ideal for gum infections.
Managing Oral Health
Regular dental checkups can help seniors get ahead of any potential
oral health concerns, with professional cleanings removing plaque from teeth and
preventing gum disease. At home, patients should brush twice per day using a
soft-bristled toothbrush—if arthritis is an issue, dentists usually have
special dental aids for making brushing easier.
For flossing, floss holders and interdental cleaners are
available as well for those who have trouble flossing every day. There are also
products specifically for conditions patients are most at risk for, such as
fluoride toothpaste for tooth enamel or prescription-strength fluoride rinses
for those with high cavity risks.
Additional Good
Habits
In addition to visiting the dentist and practicing strong
oral health care, senior patients can do more to help their oral health, such
as staying hydrated, switching medications, chewing sugar-free gum, and using
artificial saliva products to prevent dry mouth.
There is also eating healthier foods that are high in fiber
and low in sugar as well as consuming 1,000 milligrams of calcium per day to
prevent osteoporosis. Senior patients can also strive to reduce their risk of
oral cancer by eliminating alcohol and tobacco products, wearing sunscreen or
avoiding sun exposure, and having their dentist look for oral cancer symptoms.
If you are a senior and you are avoiding the dentist because of the high cost of dental care, there are ways to save money. To find out how you can save as much as 20 percent off your dental bill with our senior discount dental plan
, click here.
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