Caring for Your Teeth as You Get Older

Ageing Population

As you get older, natural changes take place along with dental problems: receding gums, worn enamel, sensitive teeth. Hey, you can still keep your teeth in good shape by caring for your teeth. Resolve to maintain good oral hygiene with some useful tips given here in this article.

What are some of the common oral health problems found in elderly?

1. Dry mouth

Dry mouth is usually related to medication use. Symptoms of dry mouth include swollen and dry tongue, burning sensation, difficulty in speech and swallowing as well as change in taste. Dry mouth may increase your risk of having tooth decay or oral infection due to lack of the protective features in saliva. For instance, the antibacterial properties found in saliva and its cleansing purpose.

2. Tooth Decay

Tooth decay frequently happens in older people due to less amount of saliva. In addition, tooth decay develops especially on root surfaces commonly due to receding gums. Treatments of tooth decay include regular oral hygiene and professional dental care. Fluoride supplementation such as fluoride rinses or varnishes may help to stabilise or repair early decay.

3. Gum or periodontal diseases

Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums and is usually caused by bacterial infection. It can progress into more advanced gum disease known as periodontitis, leading to bone loss around the teeth causing tooth loss.

4. Denture-induced stomatitis

Denture-induced stomatitis is a medical term used to describe inflammation of the tissue underlying a denture due to presence of fungal infection.

Dentures are common prostheses in elderly patients used to restore oral function and appearance. However, ill-fitting dentures, poor oral hygiene and medical conditions such as diabetes or patients with weaker immune system can lead to this oral condition.

Oral Hygiene Tips for Elderly

1. Maintain good oral health by brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste.
2. Floss or use interdental brushes and antiseptic mouthwash at least once a day.
3. If you have dentures, remove and soak them in water overnight to allow your oral tissues to rest. Clean your dentures after food intake and before sleep with normal toothbrush and/or denture cleansing tablets.
4. If you experience discomfort from dry mouth, saliva substitutes or sugar free gums can be used to increase salivary flow and moisturise the oral cavity.
5. Maintain a nutritious and balanced diet with reduced sugar intake.
6. Regular visits to the dentist for check-ups and professional cleaning.

An elderly person with physical and cognitive limitations will face challenges in maintaining oral health hygiene. If you know someone who has difficulty maintaining a healthy mouth on their own, be it your parent, spouse or friend, you can:

• Make sure they attend regular dental visits
• Remind them to brush and floss daily or using an electronic toothbrush with wide handle
• Talk to a dentist or hygienist on helpful tips or alternatives

References

1. Ageing in the Asian and Pacific Region: An Overview. [Article] [cited 2018 Nov 20] Available from:

https://mipaa.unescapsdd.org/files/documents/SDD%20Ageing%20Fact%20Sheet%20Overview.pdf

2. Common Oral Conditions in Older Persons. [Internet] [cited 2018 Nov 20] Available from:

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2008/1001/p845.html

3. Dental Care for Seniors. [Internet] [cited 2018 Nov 20] Available from:

https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/dental-care-seniors#2-2

4. Concerns for Adult over 60. [Internet] [cited 2018 Nov 20] Available from:

https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/adults-over-60/concerns

5. Ageing and Dental Health. [Internet] [cited 2018 Nov 20] Available from:

https://www.ada.org/en/member-center/oral-health-topics/aging-and-dental-health

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Tags

• Ageing
• Oral Health
• teeth