Oral Health in Seniors
HARMONY SENIOR SERVICES PITTSBURGH
For more information about the author, click to view their website: Harmony at Diamond Ridge
Feb 07, 2025
Pennsylvania - Greater Pittsburgh Area
Seniors are prone to suffering from serious medical
conditions related to poor dental hygiene. There is evidence that gum
diseases, such as periodontitis, can be linked to heart disease and diabetes,
as well as other systemic complications.
Healthy teeth allow seniors to enjoy their food more without
suffering from painful chewing and swallowing. Seniors suffering from untreated
tooth decay or premature loss of teeth will find themselves opting for soft
foods, as opposed to fresh fruits and veggies — which can affect nutrition.
HOW TO HELP SENIORS WITH THEIR ORAL CARE
Seniors tackle a series of roadblocks when it comes to
receiving regular dental care, such as lack of transportation, memory loss, and
physical and mental impairments that may prevent them from making their
appointment.
Some seniors require additional help when it comes to
brushing and flossing, as well as regular visits to the dentist for cleanings.
Certain medical conditions, such as painful arthritis in the hands, can affect
a senior’s ability to brush or floss. Left unaddressed, this can lead to
ongoing oral issues.
Whether your elderly loved one resides in an assisted living
facility or at home, they may benefit from regular reminders to brush twice a
day and to floss at least once. A soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride
toothpaste helps to keep their gums healthy. According to the American Dental
Association, antiseptic mouthwash has been proven to reduce plaque and gum
disease.
If your senior wears full or partial dentures, they should
be reminded to remove them at night. Not only can they be uncomfortable to
sleep in, but they should also be cleaned regularly. Denture-induced stomatitis
is linked to ill-fitting dentures, poor hygiene, and potential inflammation.
RISK FACTORS RELATED TO POOR ORAL HYGIENE
Receiving dental checkups every six months prevents an issue
from getting out of hand and allows the dentist to check for any sores, ulcers,
swelling, and signs of infection or oral cancer.
Without proper and consistent checkups, seniors are at an
increased risk of:
- Root
Decay — Exposure of the root due to acids can cause the gum to
begin to recede, leaving a sensitive, sometimes painful area.
- Oral
Cancer — The median age for diagnosis with this disease is 62,
further strengthening the case for frequent dental checkups.
- Tooth
Decay — Over 90% of adults aged 65 and over have had at least one
cavity, with 20% suffering from untreated tooth decay.
- Gum
Disease — This can be caused by plaque buildup, tobacco products,
or other chronic issues such as diabetes, affecting nearly 68% of the
senior population.
- Tooth
Loss — Often caused by untreated gum disease; nearly 1 in 5
seniors have lost all their teeth.
- Dry
Mouth — Many medications have the side effect of reducing saliva
production, which can increase a senior’s risk of cavities.
IMPROVING SENIOR DENTAL CARE
Priority Life Care is committed to providing quality care
for seniors. For seniors who have suffered from poor dental hygiene in the
past, it’s not too late to turn their oral health around. Many communities work
with dental companies for easy, on-site visits. With the help of a qualified
dental professional and caregivers who can keep up with daily brushing,
flossing, rinsing, and removing and cleaning dentures every night — dental
well-being can be regained.
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