Aging and Dental Health
By Tahira R. WilliamsDMD
As we age, our teeth and oral health need special care and consideration. The population of US adults over 65 is growing, and at Community Health, we want patients to know that caring for their teeth is a critical component of the primary care that we provide for our patients as they mature.
- Prescription and over-the-counter medications can cause side effects that impact oral health.
- Loss of sight and hearing can make communication about dental care challenging.
- Dental conditions like dry mouth, cavities, and gum disease can cause increased sensitivity and need special dietary and care consideration.
- Health issues that require medications for things like hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease can complicate your oral health.
Physical changes associated with aging like decreased bone and muscle mass may limit mobility and the ability to consistently and properly care for your teeth. Cognitive changes can cause older adults to have difficulty managing their own self-care including medications, medical conditions, and dental hygiene, including scheduling regular checkups and cleanings.
Stay on Top of Your Dental Health
As children, we are taught to care for our teeth by brushing and flossing regularly. As adults, diet and nutrition are also components needed for a healthy body along with the same good oral hygiene we are taught as children.
Here are some suggestions for maintaining a good oral health regimen:
- Brush teeth at least two times a day.
- Brush your gums, tongue, inner cheeks, and roof of your mouth.
- Consider using a rotating/oscillating toothbrush.
- For individuals with dry mouth, drink or sip regular water. Limit beverages high in sugar or caffeine, like juice, soda, tea, or coffee.
- Before bed remove, inspect, and clean dentures. Return to the mouth in the morning.
- Contact your dentist if a denture feels loose, hurts your gums, or clicks when speaking.
- Talk to your provider about topical fluoride treatments.
Hygienists and dentists often spot potential health issues like heart disease by observing oral hygiene conditions. At Community Health our providers work hand in hand with Community Dental.
Missing Teeth
Tooth loss can make eating and speaking difficult, so replacing missing teeth is important for long-term overall health.
According to research by the American Dental Association, about 5% of adults older than 65 years have no or very few of their teeth; about 18% with retained natural teeth have untreated cavities and 68% have gum disease.
Full or partial dentures, for example, can improve your appearance as well as provide benefits to your health. Chewing properly can lead to better nutrition, and improved speech offers enhanced communication and socialization.
Talk to your Community Dental provider about the different types of dentures and tooth replacements to determine which is right for you.
Don’t wait until you’re in pain to seek care because oftentimes the problem could have been addressed with a less complicated treatment. Also, it’s best to maintain routine care, because even if you are not in pain, your dental team could spot a problem and treat it before it becomes painful.
Learn more about aging and dental health, schedule regular appointments with your Dental provider, and talk to your healthcare provider about medications that may be impacting your teeth and how to maintain a healthy lifestyle as you manage your health as you age.
Tahira Williams, DDS, joined Community Dental after practicing dentistry across a spectrum of dental settings, from private practices to corporate and nonprofit organizations, where she worked with adults and children. She earned an undergraduate degree at Fairleigh Dickinson University in NJ and a Doctor of Dental Medicine at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in Boston.
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