Why Dental Health is Important for Seniors

How Aging Affects Oral Health

Decreased saliva: Increased medication consumption and chronic health issues can affect your ability to produce saliva.

Gum recession: Your gums can pull back from your teeth due to long-term aggressive brushing and untreated gum disease. Your gums also can’t repair themselves as effectively as you age.

Bone loss: As your metabolism changes, your body may struggle to maintain and regenerate bone tissue. Your teeth and jawbone could start breaking down faster than your body can rebuild them, increasing your risk of tooth loss.

Enamel wear: Your teeth are exposed to lots of wear and tear over your life. The cumulative effects of acid exposure and teeth grinding can lead to oral issues.

Common Dental Issues in Seniors

Dry mouth: When the glands in your mouth don’t produce enough saliva, you may experience physical discomfort and difficulty swallowing. You might be at an increased risk for dry mouth if you take medication to treat blood pressure issues, allergies, depression, pain or conditions like diabetes.

Gum disease: Also known as periodontal disease, this condition is an infection of the tissue surrounding your teeth. It can present as swollen and bleeding gums and progress to jawbone damage if left untreated. It’s typically caused by plaque and bacterial buildup due to poor hygiene and decreased immunity.

Tooth decay and loss: Cavities develop when acids produced by oral bacteria start to break down your enamel. It’s common along your gumline and tooth roots exposed by receding gums. Dry mouth is a common cause of tooth decay, as saliva is necessary to neutralize acid. Tooth loss can occur if cavities and gum disease are left untreated.

Denture and implant issues: Tooth loss often leads to bone resorption, which shrinks your jawbone and impacts how dentures sit in your mouth. Ill-fitting dentures can result in soreness, ulcers and difficulty chewing. Dental implant troubles can also contribute to gum inflammation.

The Connection Between Oral Health and Senior Wellness

Your oral health is closely connected to your well-being because it serves as a gateway to your respiratory and gastrointestinal systems and your bloodstream. Bacteria and inflammation in your mouth can spread to other parts of your body if left untreated, which can contribute to or exacerbate other health problems.

For example, ongoing inflammation is dangerous to your cardiovascular health as it affects your blood vessels, increases your blood pressure and promotes plaque buildup in your arteries. Poor oral hygiene can lead to increased bacteria production, increasing the likelihood of lung infections and pulmonary diseases, too. And if you can’t chew properly, you could struggle to consume the nutrients your body needs to function.

Preventative Dental Care Tips

Protect your oral health with these best practices:

• Brush twice daily for at least two minutes with a soft-bristle brush.
• Floss at least once a day. Try handheld or water flossers if you have dexterity issues.
• Use toothpaste for sensitive teeth with added fluoride to prevent cavities.
• Swish with an antibacterial mouthwash once a day.
• Schedule an appointment with your dentist every six months.
• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and combat dry mouth.
• Include calcium in your diet to prevent tooth decay and bone loss.
• Avoid sugary drinks and foods to reduce your risk of cavities.
• If you wear dentures, remove and brush them daily and soak them overnight in cleaning fluid to remove bacteria.
• Contact your dentist as soon as possible if you break a tooth, develop sores or experience pain or bleeding.

Senior Wellness Management at Embassy Healthcare

Oral health is a crucial part of senior wellness. Embassy Healthcare offers comprehensive assisted living care that includes dental support to ensure you or your loved one can eat and communicate comfortably. Our team also coordinates with dentists and other specialists to provide on-site services and transportation to appointments. View our locations and contact us for more information.