Dental care is crucial at all stages of life. Oral health matters more to elderly people because they are more prone to dental and other medical problems. Older persons suffer many medical conditions that can affect their oral health. Therefore, dental health in the aging population is a serious issue that should not be overlooked. Taking care of a senior's health means more than checking their physical capabilities and nutritional intake. It also means taking care of their teeth and gums. As people age, some things can be forgotten. Dental health is among the personal hygiene issues that can be easily forgotten. Because dental care is intertwined with the whole body's health, seniors must have a caregiver to help them or remind them to prioritize oral health.

Reasons Why Senior Healthcare Is Crucial

Senior dental issues are common, ranging from a dry mouth to gum disease. Dental matters must be taken seriously because oral health affects other parts of the body. Caring for a senior's teeth or gums is just as crucial as caring for the rest of your body. Here are some of the reasons why dental health for seniors is crucial

Heart Disease

There is a direct connection between periodontal disorder and heart disease. Good oral health is essential for maintaining a healthy heart. Proper oral practices can be a weapon against strokes, heart attacks, and other heart ailments. People with gum disease are more likely to develop coronary artery disorder or heart disease. Dental issues like cavities, missing teeth, and gum disease are just as accurate in predicting heart ailment as cholesterol levels.

Diabetes

Periodontitis, a severe form of gum disease, can affect your body's ability to absorb insulin. High blood sugar, a common effect of diabetes, can also cause gum infection. You can prevent this condition through regular dental checkups and proper oral practices.

Pneumonia

Poor dental health can cause pneumonia in seniors. Bacterial droplets from your mouth can travel to the lungs, making seniors more prone to pneumonia. Proper oral health is an effective way of combating harmful bacteria. Proper dental care is particularly crucial in caregiving setups and nursing homes, where many seniors are incapable of taking care of their teeth and rely on caregivers and staff to take care of them.

Periodontitis/Gum Disease

Food particles can be stuck on the teeth when we eat, leading to plaque accumulation. When plaque hardens, it forms tartar, which is more challenging to remove. Other factors that increase the risk of gum disease are unhealthy diets, tobacco products, poor-fitting bridges, ailments like anemia, diabetes, and cancers. Periodontitis can increase the risk of tooth loss and can pose serious health issues. Seniors are more prone to gum disease since they are also more prone to the medical conditions that increase the risk of gum disease.

Dry Mouth

Many seniors suffer from a dry mouth, a common side effect of certain medications. Seniors undergoing cancer treatment are also more prone to a dry mouth, especially when undergoing radiation in the neck or head area. When the mouth is wet with saliva, it is less prone to tooth decay and infection by bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Since many seniors have dry mouths, they are at an elevated risk of dental issues. Regular dental checkups and treatments are therefore essential.

Why Dental Care Is Challenging Among Seniors

Below are some of the common challenges that seniors face in trying to maintain proper oral health care:

Physiological Challenges

Old age comes with many health-related challenges. For example, seniors lose certain skills as they get older. For example, they might not be as effective in brushing and flossing their teeth as they were when they were younger. Another reason seniors neglect their oral health is a lack of motivation due to decreased energy levels. 

Chronic Health Issues

Apart from the general physiological issues that the majority of seniors face, some seniors have chronic health conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease. As expected, seniors use medications, and the side effects of these medications can pose oral health issues.

Financial Issues

Professional dental care is quite expensive, even if inexpensive preventive practices like brushing and flossing are available. Senior people with low incomes and no dental insurance coverage can have challenges accessing the necessary treatment. Therefore, many seniors do not seek dental services because they cannot afford them.

Psychological Issues

Some seniors might feel helpless as they face different health challenges, including dental issues. Some seniors might assume that their dental problems cannot be cured. Another common challenge among people of all age groups is a fear of dentists. Even if seniors are more experienced in life, they can still have anxiety when it comes to seeking dental treatment.   

Poor Nutrition

Eating the wrong foods or failing to consume enough of the right foods can cause dental issues like cavities and gum disease. Developing these dental issues can, in turn, lead to poor nutrition because seniors who struggle with chewing prefer soft to healthy foods. Sugar, a typical delicacy among seniors, is a leading cause of tooth decay, alongside starchy foods that can get stuck in the teeth. Seniors who consume beverages like coffee and alcohol also tend to be prone to tooth decay. Seniors should ensure that they eat foods from major food groups like whole grains, lean protein, and fruits, and must consume enough water to wash the food particles down.

Transportation And Mobility

Transportation and mobility are primary challenges that prevent seniors from accessing the dental care they require. Some seniors cannot drive, and public transportation is not convenient. A significant percentage of seniors have poor health and challenges walking. Therefore, even if transportation is available, it is not always easy for seniors to keep up with dental appointments. Therefore, seniors can neglect their oral health even if they have the financial means or transportation to access it.

Seniors living in nursing care or assisted living facilities rely on the staff to identify their needs and arrange oral health care. Some families or caregivers do not realize the importance of dental care for seniors.

Dental Problems Can Affect A Senior's Quality Of Life

Many people overlook the fact that dental problems like bacterial pneumonia and gum disease can be medical emergencies that call for serious interventions. Dental conditions account for a significant percentage of emergency room visits every year. If disease prevention and longevity are not enough motivation, you should consider this: Dental health can affect a person's quality of life. You might be wondering how this happens. Chronic pain from sore gums, mouth sores, or toothaches can make relaxing and even disrupting sleep hard.

Dental issues can also affect a senior's speaking ability, which can cause embarrassment. This can make general communication or even answering phone calls challenging. Poor dental health, like tooth loss, can also affect a senior's physical appearance, causing social isolation or low self-esteem.

On the good side, healthy teeth and gums make it easy to eat and speak. As we all know, enjoying good food and conversations can be among life's greatest joys.

Oral Health Tips For Seniors

Taking good care of your teeth and gums as you age can help you prevent dental issues, including tooth decay and loss. A healthy mouth also makes it easy to chew and enjoy food. Seniors must take care of their oral health if they have health conditions like heart disease and diabetes. Seniors taking medicines that can cause oral health issues must also be cautious.

Below are some tips that can help seniors keep their teeth and gums healthy as they age:

Brushing And Flossing Teeth Daily

Brushing and flossing the teeth help remove dental plaque, a sticky film of bacteria and germs. When plaque builds up, it can cause tooth decay and periodontitis. You should brush your teeth twice daily, using a fluoride toothpaste. It is best to brush after breakfast and before going to bed. Seniors should floss their teeth daily. If you have challenges brushing, you should consult your dentist about having a special toothbrush or pick.

Watch For Changes In Your Mouth

You have a higher risk of developing oral problems like cancer as you get older. It is essential to contact your dentist if you notice any changes in your mouth and have them checked out. If you have any of these symptoms that persist for more than two weeks, you should contact your dentist:

  • An area in your mouth, throat, or lip that feels sore or uncomfortable
  • A red or white patch in your mouth
  • A thick area of lump in your mouth, throat, or lip
  • Challenges chewing, swallowing food, or moving your tongue or jaw
  • Numbness on your mouth or tongue
  • Swelling in the jaw or other parts of your mouth
  • Pain in your ear, even if the pain does not cause hearing loss

Visit Your Dentist Regularly For Checkup And Cleaning

There is no rule on how often you should visit a dentist. How often you should undergo dental checkups can vary from person to person. The rule of thumb is to undergo a dental checkup every six months. You might consider seeking private dental insurance because Medicare does not cover dental care.

Talk To Your Dentist If You Have A Dry Mouth

A dry mouth means that you do not have sufficient saliva to keep the mouth wet. A dry mouth makes it challenging to chew, swallow, or talk. It can also lead to infection and tooth decay. You can have a dry mouth as a side effect of medication or if you have medical conditions like diabetes. Patients undergoing cancer treatments like radiation and chemotherapy also have dry mouth. If you have a persistent dry mouth, you should talk to your doctor to find out what you can do about it.

Build And Maintain Healthy Habits

Some of the healthy habits you should maintain as a senior include the following:

  • Eating a healthy diet and cutting down on sugary foods or drinks. Observing proper eating habits not only prevents tooth decay but is also suitable for your overall oral health
  • Avoid smoking or using other tobacco products — Chewing tobacco, smoking cigarettes, or using snuffs puts you at a high risk of oral cancer. Smoking also elevates the risk of periodontitis. If you smoke, you should plan to quit.
  • Avoid alcohol or consume it in moderation — Heavy alcohol consumption increases the risk of tooth decay and oral cancer.

Take Calcium Supplements

As a senior, you can consider taking calcium supplements to help keep your bones strong. Calcium supplements can also help control high blood pressure. A majority of seniors do not consume enough calcium through food. They require supplementation for optimal oral health. If you are on calcium supplements, you must also drink enough water. The water will help flush the excess calcium from your system.

Use A Mouthwash

Seniors can use mouthwash to keep their oral health in check. Mouthwash effectively kills bacteria and removes plaque that can cause gum disease, tooth decay, or other oral health issues. Ensure that you only use a mouthwash that is specifically designed for seniors. Mouthwashes produced for seniors have low levels of alcohol and other harmful chemicals.

Drink More Water

Drinking enough water is crucial to maintaining proper oral health. It neutralizes acids in the mouth that can damage the teeth. Water also rinses the mouth, preventing plaque or bacteria accumulation. It keeps the mouth moist, preventing tooth decay. Seniors over 65 must consume water often because they are more prone to dry mouth.

Find an Experienced Dentist Near Me

Senior citizens must be more cautious with oral health because they are at a higher risk of developing plaque and tartar on the teeth. They must also visit a dentist regularly. Unfortunately, many seniors do not prioritize their oral health. Some do not even realize that there is something wrong with their oral health. However, senior oral health care is crucial and must be prioritized. If you need a dentist you can rely on for your senior oral healthcare needs, contact Northridge Advanced Dentistry. We will evaluate your situation and develop a suitable oral healthcare plan. Contact us at 818-701-3010 to speak to one of our dentists.