Many things change about your body as you age. Your vision, your hearing, your weight, and maybe your hair. While all of those certainly affect your quality of life, changes in your oral health can potentially affect your overall health. If you know what common problems are, then you can take steps to fix them before they develop into bigger issues.
So, what are some common dental and oral health issues among the elderly?
Tooth decay, tooth loss, and gum disease are major issues for seniors. They also experience dry mouth and sensitive teeth, sometimes because of medications. Dental work, such as fillings, may also start to break down as you age.
According to a report from the CDC in 2013, 70% of people 65 years of age and older experience some form of periodontal disease. It also says that smokers are more likely to suffer from poor oral health than non-smokers.
So, What are the Causes of Oral Health Issues?
Dry mouth can be a result of many different health problems related to aging, including diabetes, autoimmune disease, Alzheimer’s, stroke, and certain medications. Sensitive teeth can develop as your gums recede, leading to gum disease. A lifetime of eating and drinking things that stain your teeth and weaken enamel can result in periodontal disease, weakening of the teeth, and tooth loss.
Dentures are common for seniors and if they are not cared for properly, can cause oral health issues. Sores, swelling, bleeding gums, and pain are all caused by dentures that don’t fit right or have not been taken care of. Fillings, crowns, and bridges from younger years may break down and need repairs later in life or else periodontal diseases may develop.
So, What are Some Signs of Poor Oral Health?
Infection, pain, and tooth loss are all signs of tooth decay. Red, irritated, or bleeding gums are a sign of gum or periodontal disease. This means more than when you see the occasional bit of pink on your floss. When all of these signs are persistent, they indicate poor oral health.
Receding gums can be caused by smoking or perpetual bad dental habits. They are a sign of gum recession, which is treatable. Signs of dry mouth include lack of saliva, a swollen tongue, and dry, cracked lips. These can make it difficult to swallow.
Any discoloration in or around your mouth could point to poor oral health, too. Lumps or sores in your mouth or on your neck are also signs that you need dental care.
Related Questions
So, What are Some Tips for Easy Dental Care?
Arthritis is a common ailment for older adults, and it makes it difficult to brush correctly. If you suffer from this, try using an electric toothbrush. Another good habit to start is drinking water after meals to help rinse the food and bacteria off your teeth. Stopping smoking may not be easy, but it is important for good oral health.
So, Why can Good Dental Care be a Struggle for Some Older Americans?
Barriers to good dental care for seniors include cost and access to transportation. Some seniors may have signs of oral health issues but don’t recognize them as problems and fail to seek timely treatment.
Recap
Good dental health is important for everyone, but especially crucial for senior citizens, who are more susceptible to problems with oral health because of what their teeth have been exposed to over their lifetime or due to medications. Taking good care of your teeth as an older adult helps protect your overall health, too, and can help prevent major diseases.
Find Optimal Dental Care Near You
Sedki Dentistry is a full-service dental clinic in Commerce Twp that addresses the dental health needs and concerns for all age groups including seniors. Our dental team is compassionate and aims to make each patient feel at ease and comfortable about their dental care.
Offering an array of dental services including general dentistry such as cleanings and fillings to cosmetic dentistry, dental treatments and gum rejuvenation, we are an ideal choice for all your dental needs. Call for a Free Consultation!