Dental Care for Senior Patients

Tips that Will Help Seniors Care for their Oral Health Better

Having a healthy smile isn’t just about the aesthetic of nice, white, straight teeth. Oral health is an extension of our overall health. Healthy gums and teeth make it easier to enjoy food and can give you more confidence.?

Unfortunately, it is inevitable that our mouth health changes as we age. Advancing age can put a person at higher risk for a number of oral health issues, but there are also some other increased risk factors that can compound mouth health issues as you age.

Risk Factors for Poor Oral Health

Besides age causing mouth health issues, some other risk factors for worsened oral health include:

• Being economically disadvantaged
• A member of a racial or ethnic minority
• Being disabled, homebound, or institutionalized
• Smoking?
• Having insurance that does not cover routine dental care
• Having a chronic disease, such as arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, or COPD

Common Oral Health Issues in Seniors

Knowing what oral health issues seniors are at risk for can help seniors and their caregivers be on the lookout for signs of these problems. Here are some of the mouth health issues seniors may face:

• Darkened teeth due to changes in dentin, or staining from foods
• Dry mouth caused by reduced saliva flow
• Diminished sense of taste, which can be the result of diseases, medications, or dentures
• Root decay, caused by exposure of the root to acids
• Gum disease
• Tooth loss
• Uneven jaw bone due to not replacing missing teeth, allowing teeth to shift
• Denture-induced stomatitis, which is caused by ill-fitting dentures that allow a buildup of fungus that leads to inflammation
• Thrush
• Oral cancer

Caring for Your Teeth

Seniors, as with people of any age, should practice good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing each day. Brushing and flossing prevents the buildup of plaque on your teeth, which would otherwise lead to gum disease and tooth decay.?

Seniors with natural teeth should brush with a fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day, once after breakfast and once before bed. They should also floss once a day. If you have trouble flossing, ask your dentist about using a special brush or pick instead.

If you want to use mouthwash, use it once or twice a day. An antibacterial mouth rinse can reduce the bacteria that causes plaque and gum disease.??

Caring for Your Dentures

Dentures, like natural teeth, need to be cared for and cleaned every day. Those with dentures should:

• Remove dentures (or partials) after eating and rinse with water; place a towel on the counter or in the sink, or put water in the sink so your dentures won’t break if you accidentally drop them
• Handle dentures carefully–don’t bend or damage the plastic or clasps when cleaning
• Clean your mouth after removing your dentures with a soft bristled toothbrush on natural teeth and gauze or a soft toothbrush on your tongue, cheeks, and roof of your mouth; remove any remaining denture adhesive from your gums
• Brush your dentures at least daily–soak and brush them with a soft bristled brush and nonabrasive denture cleanser; never use regular toothpaste on dentures and do not put denture cleansers inside your mouth
• Soak dentures overnight in a cup of water or mild denture-soaking solution; follow manufacturer instructions on cleaning and soaking solutions
• Rinse dentures thoroughly before putting them back in your mouth

Watching for Changes in Your Mouth

Besides caring for your dentures or natural teeth, you also want to be on the lookout for changes in your mouth. It is important to speak to your dentist about any changes you notice. If you have these symptoms for more than 2 weeks, have pain, or have ill-fitting dentures, see a doctor or dentist:

• A spot in your mouth, throat, or lip that feels uncomfortable or sore
• A lump or thick area in your mouth, throat, or lip
• A white or red patch in your mouth
• Bleeding
• Issues chewing or moving your jaw or tongue
• Problems swallowing
• Difficulty or changes in taste
• Numbness in your tongue or mouth
• Swelling in your jaw
• Pain in one ear without hearing loss
• Receding, sore, or tender gums
• Tooth pain, sensitive teeth, or lose teeth
• Shrinking gums that lead to ill-fitting dentures

Get Regular Checkups and Cleanings

Regular checkups can help your dentist spot changes or potential issues in your mouth. Regular cleanings can also help keep issues from forming or getting worse. There is no single rule on how often a person should come in for a checkup. You may want to check and see what your insurance covers for dental care and also speak with your dentist about how often you should come in.?

During an oral exam, seniors should expect their dentist to check:

• Your face and neck for any discoloration, moles, or sores
• Your bite
• Your jaw for any signs of popping, clicking, or TMJ
• Your lymph nodes and salivary glands
• Your inner cheeks for infections or ulcers
• Your tongue and other interior surfaces for signs of infection or oral cancer
• Your teeth?

If you wear dentures or other appliances, your dentist will talk to you about any irritations they may be causing and examine the appliance itself.?

Don’t Live with Dry Mouth

Dry mouth can lead to some negative oral issues. Dry mouth is essentially not having enough saliva to keep your mouth wet. Dry mouth can make it hard to eat, swallow, and talk. It can also lead to tooth decay or infection.?

Dry mouth is often a side effect of medications, but it can also be caused by certain health problems, such as diabetes, or if you are receiving chemotherapy or radiation for cancer.?

Dry mouth should be taken seriously and if you are having problems that persist even with the use of a moistening mouthwash, speak with your dentist or doctor.?

Practice Healthy Habits

Finally, seniors should practice other healthy habits that can impact mouth health.?

• Cut back on sugary foods and drinks to prevent tooth decay
• Don’t smoke or use other tobacco products as these cause gum disease or lead to oral cancer
• Drink alcohol in moderation (heavy drinking can also increase your risk for oral cancer)

Assistance with Daily Living Activities

As we get older, it can become more difficult to take care of daily living activities, such as caring for our oral health. If you or a loved one need assistance living at home, including caring for teeth or dentures, All American would love to help you! We offer customizable home care and home health services. Contact us today to learn more.?

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