Dental Care for the Elderly

Senior citizens have a very different set of dental problems. An older adult may have dental problems that are age-related, and different from oral problems plaguing younger adults.  Even so, proper dental care can prevent most of these problems, and persons can get older with all their teeth still intact.  

Cavities
You would think that senior citizens would be less likely to suffer from cavities or tooth decay. In fact, these are some of the most common dental problems that the elderly face. Older people are more likely to suffer from dry mouth because they are on certain medications that increase the risk of dry mouth. This condition places them at an increased risk of tooth decay.  Besides, adults of this age may begin to notice their gums receding as part of the ageing process, exposing the root of the tooth to cavities. Older adults may also not have had the benefit of fluoridated drinking water in their younger years, and this could have caused their teeth to become weak.

Tooth sensitivity
People of this age may experience gum recession or pulling back of the gum tissue from the tooth. This exposes the tooth root, leading to tooth sensitivity to extreme temperatures, sweet and sour foods etc. Using specially formulated toothpastes or fluoridated oral products can help deal with this problem. Your dentist may also suggest a soft tissue graft to treat the sensitivity.

Oral cancer
Because of their age, seniors are more at risk for oral cancer than younger adults. These risks may increase in senior adults who have had a lifelong habit of smoking or drinking alcohol in excess.  Any lesion or sore in the mouth must immediately be brought to the attention of a doctor.  Please check symptoms of oral cancer.

Loose teeth
A common problem with older adults is teeth that have become loose. This can be treated with the help of a periodontist who will make a complete examination of your mouth and recommend treatments to secure your teeth.

Dentures
Older adults who are fitted with dentures often find that most of their dental problems are related to ill fitting or uncomfortable dentures. The reason for this is that as you get older, the bone and gums that support the dentures also begin to loose strength and change shape. If you notice any discomfort or looseness with your dentures, don’t attempt to correct the problem yourself. Take the dentures to your dentist as soon as possible.

Malnutrition
Older adults may have a problem chewing and swallowing certain foods. This means that they may end up limiting their calorie intake, thereby resulting in problems associated with malnutrition. To avoid this, eat a good, balanced diet and include plenty of grains, fruits and vegetables. Avoid fats, sugars and limit your intake of salt. Drink only in moderate quantities, and avoid smoking altogether.

Older citizens must give their dentist updated information about their general health, including any recent medical treatment or surgeries that they have undergone, new medications they have been prescribed, including herbal products and over the counter formulations.  A little care can go a long way to make sure you retain all your pearly whites well into your eighties!