The state of one's mouth directly impacts one's general health and quality of life. According to the American Dental Association, dental illness is a frequent cause of medical and emergency department visits. Medications and prevalent chronic conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease, increase the risk of dental issues in seniors.
Why make senior dental care a high priority
Tooth rotting is a common problem. Plaque, which is created by bacteria, damages the enamel of the teeth and creates cavities. Dry mouth is one of the reasons why older adults are more likely to have cavities.
Gum disease is a condition that affects the teeth and gums. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, two out of three seniors aged 65 and up have gum disease (CDC). Periodontitis, or severe gum disease, can cause pain, bleeding gums, chewing issues, and tooth loss, among other health issues.
Tooth loss is prevalent among the elderly. According to the CDC, one in every five persons aged 65 and over has lost all teeth.
Heart disease is a severe condition. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, gum disease causes inflammation, which raises the risk of heart disease.
Diabetes: Dental issues, such as inflammation and gum disease, are more likely in those who have poor blood sugar management.
Advancing age puts many seniors at risk for several oral health problems, such as:
Darkened teeth: Changes in dentin, the bone-like substance that sits under the tooth enamel, and a lifetime of ingesting stain-causing foods and beverages are to blame.
Dry mouth: Reduced saliva flow can be caused by cancer therapies that involve radiation to the head and neck region and disorders such as Sjögren's syndrome and drug side effects. A variety of medications can cause dry mouth.
A diminished sense of taste: While taste declines with age, illnesses, drugs, and dentures can all contribute to sensory loss.
Root decay. The exposure of the tooth root to decay-causing acids causes this. As the gum tissue around the tooth recedes, the tooth roots become visible. Because roots lack enamel, they are more susceptible to decay than the crown portion of the tooth.
Gum disease: This is a common condition for older persons, and it is exacerbated by plaque, food left in teeth, tobacco use, ill-fitting bridges and dentures, poor diets, and certain disorders such as anemia, cancer, and diabetes.
Your mouth, like the rest of your body, changes as you get older. These changes need several special oral health precautions for elders. Regular dental appointments may not always be at the top of many older persons' to-do lists (particularly in assisted living or skilled nursing settings). Still, proper tooth and gum care minimize many of the difficulties connected with oral care.