Tips to improve dental, physical health for seniors

  • Published
  • By Captain Wah-Yung Tsang
  • 82nd Dental Squadron
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Seniors are a growing percentage of the American population. Currently, more than 60 percent of the U.S. population over the age of 65 still has some or all of their natural teeth. Many people think that conditions such as toothaches, tooth loss and dry mouth happen naturally as you grow old. The truth is, most of these conditions result from diseases of the teeth such as periodontal disease and dental caries or side effects of medications. Teeth can be kept longer by maintaining good oral health.

Studies have shown that maintaining a healthy mouth free of cavities and gum disease may help you avoid diabetes, heart disease, stroke and certain respiratory diseases. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, people with periodontal disease are almost twice as likely to suffer from coronary artery disease.
  • The problems that affect dental health of the elderly population most are:
  • Side effects of medications
  • Recurrent decay around older fillings
  • Decay at the gum line where gums have receded
  • Oral cancers
  • Poor diet
  • Gingivitis: A disease that is caused by bacteria found in plaque that attacks the gums. Symptoms include red, swollen gums and bleeding when you brush/floss. Gingivitis can lead to periodontal disease if problems persist. Three out of four adults over 35 are affected by some sort of periodontal disease.
In periodontal disease the infection becomes severe. Your gums begin to recede and pull back from the teeth. In the worst cases, bacteria form pockets between the teeth and gums, weakening the bone. All this can lead to tooth loss if untreated, especially in patients with osteoporosis.

Ways to maintain good oral health are:
  • Brushing within 20 minutes after you eat with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristle brush.
  • Flossing is the only way to remove plaque between teeth and below the gum line that your toothbrush cannot reach, brushing only cleans 60 percent of the tooth's surface, while flossing does the rest.
  • Chewing gum can help eliminate food particles on teeth after a meal and also stimulates the saliva.
  • Get an electric toothbrush and flosser or use handles or other adaptations to make brushing and flossing easier.
  • Replace each toothbrush every three to four months.
  • Don't smoke or use smokeless tobacco products as they are primary cause of oral cancers.
  • Check for side effects of medicines and report them to a doctor or dentist.
  • Make sure to get dental care before having surgery or treatment that may cause problems with oral health.
  • Caregivers should learn how to take care of the teeth of those who are not able to take care of their own teeth.
  • Any changes in dental health and overall health should be reported to an individual's dentist and primary care doctor.
  • Maintain a healthy diet and limit between-meal snacks.
Those with arthritis may find it difficult to brush and floss for good oral health and prevention of disease. Certain dental products are designed to make dental care less painful for arthritis sufferers. It may be helpful to strap a toothbrush to a larger object, such as a ball, to make the brush more comfortable to handle. Electric toothbrushes can help by doing some of the work.

Dry mouth happens when salivary glands fail to work due to disease. Certain medications or cancer treatment can result in dry mouth. Common categories of these medications include tricyclic antidepressants, sedatives and tranquilizers, antihistamines, antihypertensives, cytotoxic agents, anti-Parkinsonism and antiseizure drugs.

Dry mouth can make it hard to eat, swallow, taste and speak. In certain cases, such as radiation therapy, dry mouth can lead to severe complications, which is why it is important that you see a dentist immediately before beginning any form of cancer treatment. Drinking lots of water, using biotene toothpaste and chewing gum and avoiding sweets, tobacco, alcohol and caffeine are some ways to fight dry mouth. A dentist can also prescribe medications to fight severe dry mouth. Dry mouth can also contribute to tooth decay because saliva provides a natural cleansing action in the mouth.

If you have any question or concern, please contact the Sheppard Dental Clinic at (940) 676-4474.

Information provided by: Academy of General Dentistry; the National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute; J. Butler GUM consumer education and ADHA Oral Health Fast Facts.