What oral health problems do seniors experience?

Older people can experience a wide range of dental health issues. Cavities, for instance, is a major oral health problem in seniors; age-related salivary changes, poor nutrition, exposure to the tooth’s root surface as a result of gingival recession, and medications causing dry mouth are common causes.

Periodontal disease also affects the aging population. This chronic infectious disease is caused by the accumulation of bacterial plaque, which results in gingivitis. Severe periodontitis increases with age; the incidence of this disease is low but constant in the elderly.

Tooth loss also frequently occurs in the elderly, especially when cavities and periodontal disease are left untreated. Nutritional problems are directly linked with instances of tooth loss. Older adults with severe tooth loss can experience a reduced quality of life.

Chewing, or mastication, worsens when tooth loss occurs and the senior does not wear dental prostheses to replace the missing teeth. Dental experts assert that at least 20 functional teeth are necessary to ensure a senior’s ability to properly chew food.

Dry mouth is another frequently reported problem in a large number of elderly people. Unfortunately, treatment success is low, especially with artificial saliva and saliva-stimulating medications. However, treating the underlying cause of dry mouth and avoiding conditions that cause dryness are advised.

How do seniors maintain good oral health?

Older adults are encouraged to take care of their teeth and gums. Seniors suffering from diabetes, heart disease, or other health problems must practice good oral hygiene. Certain medications can cause oral health problems, making it important to prioritize oral health.

1. Brush and floss daily

Plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, can build up on the teeth without daily brushing and flossing. An unwanted outcome of plaque buildup is tooth decay or gum disease. Seniors can prevent the buildup of plaque by brushing their teeth twice a day and flossing every day.

Thoroughly brush teeth for two minutes, spending 30 seconds in each quadrant. Gently move the toothbrush in circles and use short strokes. Since gums recede with age, food can become increasingly trapped between teeth. Seniors can use floss picks, interdental brushes, or floss holders for cleaning.

2. Visit the dentist regularly

The frequency of dental visits varies from senior to senior. The next time an older adult sees the dentist for a checkup and cleaning, ask how often appointments should be scheduled. During the appointment, the dentist will examine the teeth and check for any signs of issues.

An oral exam includes checking the senior’s bite for problems with how the teeth come together when opening or closing the mouth, examining the jaw for signs of clicking or popping, looking at the salivary glands, checking teeth for decay, and inspecting the gum tissue for signs of oral cancer.

Seniors who wear dentures can expect the dentist to check the appliance, too. The dental professional will examine the mouth for any irritations caused by the dentures. The dentist will also examine the denture itself, looking for worn or broken areas.

3. Discuss dry mouth with a doctor

Dry mouth can cause tooth decay and infection and make it difficult to eat, swallow, or talk. Seniors who suffer from dry mouth lack enough saliva to keep their mouth moistened. Dry mouth can be a side effect of certain medications or an outcome of health problems, like diabetes.

A senior with chronic dry mouth is advised to discuss the problem with a physician. Treating the underlying cause can resolve the issue. The doctor can explore changing medications that cause dry mouth to another drug that does not cause the unwanted side effect.

4. Promote healthy habits

Seniors who wish to maintain good oral health should also live a healthy lifestyle. Help prevent tooth decay by cutting down on sugary foods and drinks. Avoid smoking, since cigarettes, chewing tobacco, and snuffs put individuals at a higher risk for oral cancer. Smoking increases the risk of gum disease.

Older people who drink alcohol are advised to drink in moderation. For women, this means one or fewer drinks per day, and, for men, two or fewer drinks per day. Excessive alcohol intake increases an aging adult’s risk for developing oral cancer.

Maintaining good oral health is important. But some seniors may struggle with the daily effort that proper oral hygiene requires. Rather than avoid cleaning teeth and gums regularly and risk the numerous dental problems that can follow, opt for the services of a professional caregiver.

Assisting Hands Home Care provides comprehensive nonmedical senior care to elderly individuals in the comfort of home. Our services support seniors with the activities of everyday living. Responsibilities include help with personal hygiene, such as brushing teeth, toileting, dressing, and grooming.

Professional caregivers are also instrumental in transporting the senior to the dentist’s or doctor’s office or to conduct errands. We shop for fresh groceries and prepare nutritious meals so that your elderly loved one enjoys good oral health and overall physical well-being.

A clean home is not only desirable but contributes to the senior’s health. We perform light housekeeping to ensure a hygienic home environment. Our caregivers are also excellent companions, helping the senior stay socially engaged and active through conversations and safe outings.

Our home care services are flexible, and we offer a wide range of care options to suit the needs of families and their elderly loved ones. We offer respite care, 24-hour care, live-in care, and post-surgical care. Compassionate memory care and Parkinson’s care are also available.

Assisting Hands Home Care is preferred by countless families with seniors living in Coppell, Dallas, Highland Park, Richardson, University Park TX, and the surrounding areas of Dallas and Tarrant counties. Whether your elderly loved one would benefit from improved oral, physical or emotional health, our caregivers are ready to assist. Call us at (214) 760-6944 today to schedule an in-home consultation.