Oral Health for Older Adults
Imagine how many meals our teeth chew when we reach retirement age!
Regardless of age, we still want to maintain good oral health, enjoy food, and confidently smile at our grandchildren.
Caring for our teeth becomes more important as we age; most adults over 60 only have a portion of their original teeth.
Some teeth may have been extracted, and there is a good chance that some have fillings or restorations.
Sensitive teeth, gum disease, dry mouth, diabetes, and heart disease are some conditions that prove why maintaining good oral health is essential as we age.
Keeping in mind that dental health is connected to our overall whole-body health.
Sensitive Teeth
We have all heard of the expression ‘getting long in the tooth’ about getting older. Unfortunately, this is not just an expression.
After years of brushing, our gums recede, giving the appearance of longer teeth. Gum recession exposes the part of our tooth that is not covered by protective enamel and is more sensitive to cold and sweet.
Once the gum has receded, it has little chance of coming back. To help prevent this sensitivity, we can try using a sensitive toothpaste and only ever use a soft toothbrush, or a dentist may suggest a small filling to cover the exposed area.
Gum Disease
More adults lose teeth due to gum disease than to decay. Plaque and food left on teeth, smoking, unhealthy diets, and poor-fitting dentures can lead to gum disease.
Anaemia, cancer, and diabetes can also contribute. We must continue regular exams with our dentist so that these conditions can be monitored and addressed. Often, a six-month cleanup is all that is required to keep gum disease away.
Dry Mouth
As we age, our doctors may prescribe medicines that decrease the saliva our bodies naturally produce, resulting in dry mouth.
A dry mouth increases the rate of decay, which can lead to infections and, subsequently, tooth loss.
Some signs of dry mouth include a sticky or dry feeling in the throat or mouth, difficulty chewing, swallowing, or speaking, a rough or dry tongue, and cracked lips.
There are several dry mouth products available at chemists, or you can try sipping water more often, avoiding caffeine, chewing sugarless gum or sucking on sugarless hard-boiled lollies.
Tobacco and alcohol can dry out the mouth even further. Try to minimise the salty or spicy food you eat, which may cause your teeth to become more sensitive. Avoid sugar and acidic foods to reduce plaque build-up, and use a humidifier at night.
Diabetes and Heart Disease
The risk of diabetes increases as we age. People with diabetes have a greater chance of developing gum disease, thrush (caused by a fungal infection in the mouth) and dry mouth.
Uncontrolled blood sugar levels might cause glucose levels to increase in the saliva, creating a breeding ground for bacteria and, therefore, putting us at higher risk of tooth decay.
Research has proven a connection between heart disease and gum disease. They are linked via the circulation of bacteria from the mouth to other body regions.
When this bacterium reaches your heart, they attach themselves to any damaged area they find and will cause inflammation. People who suffer from gum disease (periodontal disease) are two times more likely also to have heart disease or coronary artery disease.
We must continue going to our dentists regularly as we age for our oral and overall health.
Whether we are grey nomads enjoying our beautiful country, still working at a job we love, or living a life of peace in a nursing home, we all want to enjoy our food and live as complete a life as possible, so make sure that looking after your oral health is a priority.
Older residents of North Lakes, Kallangur, Mango Hill, Murrumba Downs, Griffin, Deception Bay, and the Redcliffe Peninsula are welcome to visit Passion Family Dental North Lakes and chat with one of our highly trained dentists about how we can improve their oral and overall health.
Oral Health in North Lakes
Make your oral health a priority at any age!
At Passion Family Dental North Lakes, we support older adults in maintaining a healthy smile and overall well-being.
– Receive 10% off any dental service.
Private Health Insurance members get an additional 10% off the gap amount of any dental service.
Call us at (07) 3465 1199 or visit Unit 4/6 Endeavour Boulevard in North Lakes.
Let us help you keep your smile strong for years to come!
