As we age our bodies change. While many seniors will be focused on keeping their hearts, joints and eyes healthy, they may not realize how vital it is to keep their teeth and gums healthy. As we age, there is a higher risk for complex dental problems, infections and nutritional issues.

Keeping your mouth healthy will impact your overall health. There is a strong correlation with the bacteria in your mouth causing serious health issues, such as heart disease, diabetes and respiratory infections. Seeing your dentist regularly will help protect your teeth and ensure your jaw bone stays strong to keep a high quality of life.

What Is The Biological Link Between Oral Health And Aging?

As we age our bodies change. Our immune systems weaken, saliva production drops and our enamel thins due to years of use. This creates an ideal breeding ground for bacteria in your mouth.

– Reduced Saliva:

Many common prescription medicines cause dry mouth. Saliva helps to wash away food particles, neutralize harmful acids and provide vital minerals to your teeth. With less saliva you are more likely to suffer from tooth decay.

– Thinner Enamel:

Years of eating food, drinking acidic drinks and brushing your teeth will cause your enamel to wear. This causes the sensitive dentin layer to show through meaning you will suffer from sensitive teeth to hot and cold temperatures. Cavities will form quicker.

– Gum Recession:

As we age our gums naturally recede. This exposes the root of your teeth which does not have the tough enamel covering making them very prone to quick root decay.

– Weaker Immune System:

An aging immune system will struggle to fight the aggressive bacteria plaque. This can cause mild gum inflammation to become severe periodontal disease.

How Can Regular Dental Visits Reduce The Risk Of Gum Disease And Systemic Health Issues?

Millions of seniors suffer with periodontal disease. This can start with mild gum inflammation (gingivitis) but can quickly progress. Periodontitis destroys the soft tissue and jaw bone that supports your teeth.

– Protects Your Heart:

Severe gum disease can cause harmful bacteria to enter your blood stream through your bleeding gums. The bacteria enters your heart causing inflammation of the blood vessels. This can increase your risk of suffering from heart attacks and strokes.

– Helps Control Blood Sugar Levels (Diabetes):

There is a strong correlation between diabetes and gum disease. If you suffer from active gum infections this will cause your blood sugar levels to increase making diabetes harder to control. High blood sugar also means your body cannot heal your gums.

– Reduce Risk Of Pneumonia:

Seniors, especially in care homes can inhale tiny bacteria from their infected gums into their lungs. This often causes severe bacterial pneumonia.

– Prevents Painful Tooth Loss:

Advanced periodontitis will cause destruction of the jaw bone that supports your natural teeth. Regular cleanings will remove the hardened tartar to prevent any bone loss.

How Can Regular Dental Visits Help With Early Detection Of Oral Cancer?

As we age our risk of oral cancer increases. Your dentist will carry out quick, painless and potentially life saving checks for oral cancer during your regular check-ups. Early detection is the most important factor when treating oral cancer.

– Full External Examination:

Your dentist will gently feel your neck, jaw, salivary glands and lymph nodes to see if there is any unusual swellings, lumps or asymmetry.

– Internal Examination:

Your dentist will thoroughly examine your lips, cheeks, gums, roof of mouth, bottom of mouth and all sides of your tongue looking for any red or white patches (leukoplakia).

– Identify Unhealed Sores:

Your dental team will look for any ulcers, unusual sores or patches that are not healing after 2 weeks.

– Detect Abnormal Changes:

Using advanced lights your dentist can detect abnormal changes below the surface of your tissue.

How Can Regular Dental Care Keep Teeth Healthy For A Balanced Diet?

Having healthy teeth will help you eat a well balanced and nutritious diet full of vitamins, minerals and proteins. Seniors with missing teeth, damaged fillings or painful gums will have to change their diet.

– Avoid Restrictive Diet:

Painful teeth will make it difficult to chew fresh vegetables, fruits, lean meats and nuts. Seniors often tend to eat softer, carbs heavy foods which lacks vital fiber and nutrients.

– Improves Digestion:

Digestion starts in your mouth. Chewing breaks the food down into smaller pieces ready to be digested. It mixes with the enzymes in your saliva. Eating large chunks of undigested food will cause digestive problems.

– Keeps Natural Bite:

All your natural teeth have a purpose to keep your bite balanced. Missing teeth will cause your remaining teeth to lean and shift causing damage to your natural bite.

– Avoid Unintentional Weight Loss:

Often seniors will suffer from a poor appetite due to dental pain. This can cause unintentional weight loss which weakens their muscles.

Why Is Regular Denture Or Implant Care Important For Seniors?

Whether you have natural teeth, full dentures or modern dental implants, it is essential to have regular professional care.

– Adjustment Of Full/Partial Dentures:

As your jaw bone shrinks your dentures will not fit as well. Your dentist will adjust and line them to avoid any soreness caused by friction, painful ulcers and slippage.

– Reduce Risk Of Fungal Infections:

Poor fitting dentures can cause dampness and bacteria to build up under the acrylic. This can often cause painful fungal infections such as oral thrush (candidiasis) or sores at the corners of your mouth (angular cheilitis).

– Dental Implant Care:

Dental implants need careful cleaning below the gum line to avoid peri-implantitis. This causes damage to the surrounding bone.

– Longevity Of Prosthetic:

Regular check-ups will allow your dentist to check for any cracks, wear or damage to your crowns, bridges and dentures.

What Should Be Included In A Senior Dental Care Checklist?

  • Visit your dentist for a full check-up and professional clean every 6 months.

  • Brush your teeth twice a day for 2 minutes using a soft bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste.

  • Clean between your teeth everyday using floss, inter dental brushes or a water flosser.

  • Drink lots of fresh water throughout the day to encourage saliva. This will help with dry mouth caused by prescription medications.

  • Clean your removable dentures everyday using special non-abrasive cleaning products. Soak them in water overnight.

  • Do not use tobacco and limit sugary snacks.

  • Check your mouth weekly for any unusual red or white patches, bleeding gums or sores.

  • Let your dentist know about any medical conditions, prescription medications or recent operations.

What Are The Frequently Asked Questions About Senior Dental Health?

Why Are My Teeth Becoming More Prone To Decay?

As we age our enamel has worn due to years of use. Our gums naturally recede meaning the soft root of our teeth are exposed. We also suffer from less saliva due to our prescription medication. Saliva helps to neutralize the harmful acids in our mouths so without enough saliva bacteria will multiply and cause damage.

Are X-Rays Safe For Seniors?

Yes, modern digital x-rays are completely safe. They use very little radiation and produce clear images instantly. X-Rays can help your dentist identify hidden cavities between your teeth, deep root infections and jaw bone loss.

How Does Dry Mouth Affect My Dental Health?

Saliva helps to wash away any leftover food, neutralize the acids from bacteria and provide essential minerals such as calcium to your enamel. Without enough saliva harmful bacteria will flourish causing severe root cavities, gum inflammation, bad breath and painful sores.

Should I Still Visit My Dentist If I Have Full Dentures?

Yes, even with full dentures you should still visit your dentist once a year. Your dentist will check for any oral cancer, check your jaw bone health, check your bite and adjust your dentures to avoid painful sores and slippage.

Visiting your dentist regularly is an important part of staying healthy as you age. By having regular check-ups, tackling dry mouth, keeping your prosthetic clean and having oral cancer checks you can keep your overall health in check and keep your teeth looking healthy and bright. Book an appointment with your dental clinic for a diagnostic check-up.