Common Oral Health Issues for Seniors

As we age, our bodies experience the effects of subsisting for years on Earth. Muscles, joints, and even our teeth show the impact of repetitive motions through the years.  Aging changes occur in all of the body’s cells, tissues, and organs, affecting all parts of the body. This includes the teeth and gums.

Common Oral Health Issues for SeniorsFor seniors, longevity presents unique oral health needs. In an adult’s later years, physical, sensory, and cognitive impairments may make home oral health care challenging. Dental conditions associated with aging include dry mouth, root and coronal caries, and periodontitis, to name a few, that can affect oral health.

At Hamby Family Dental Center, your Fuquay-Varina dentists, we are accustomed to working with aging patients to maintain their oral health. Refer to the article “Dental Tips for Seniors” for more information on this age group. In this article, we address some of the common oral health issues for folks in their senior years and the challenges they experience.

Dry Mouth (Xerostomia)

Xerostomia, also known as dry mouth, affects 30% of patients older than 65 years and up to 40% of patients older than 80 years. Most of the time, this is due to adverse effects of medication(s), although it can also result from comorbid conditions such as diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and Sjogren’s syndrome. Dry mouth can lead to mucositis, cavities, cracked lips, and fissured tongue. It is more likely to occur in people who take more than 4 daily prescription medications.

Recommendations:

  • Individuals with dry mouth should include drinking or at least sipping regular water throughout the day and limiting alcoholic beverages.
  • Additionally, beverages that are high in sugar or caffeine such as juices, sodas, teas, and coffee (especially sweetened) should be limited.

Root Caries

By definition, root caries refers to tooth decay on the root of the tooth. Though it is not a new condition, it has been reported as increasing in prevalence due to people living longer and maintaining their natural teeth into old age. Gum recession, denture wear, poor oral hygiene, and age-related changes in saliva composition are all factors in developing root caries. Other factors are medication, health conditions, poor diet, or infrequent and ineffective brushing. Untreated, a cavity can lead to an infection in the tooth that is a very painful tooth abscess.

Recommendations:

  • Making sure seniors have access to oral health services and teaching caregivers how to take care of their teeth is recommended to prevent dental caries. Strategies to help seniors access dental services can help prevent problems like tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss.
  • Using fluoride toothpastes can help improve oral health in general.

Gum Disease (Periodontitis)

Receding gums expose the root of the tooth, making the tooth more susceptible to decay, and are common in older adults. A lifetime of brushing too hard can cause gums to recede; however, gum disease is the most common cause of receding gums. Gingivitis is an early type of gum disease. It occurs when plaque and tartar accumulate and irritate and inflame the gums. Certain conditions and diseases in older adults can put them at risk for periodontal disease, such as:

  • Not brushing and flossing every day
  • Not getting regular dental care
  • Smoking
  • Diabetes
  • Dry mouth
  • Weak immune system

Recommendations:

  • Make it part of a daily routine to brush and floss twice a day
  • Drink plenty of water for dry mouth
  • Maintain bi-annual dental exams

Tooth Loss (Edentulism)

Tooth loss is a common concern among older adults that significantly impacts the ability to eat, speak, and socialize due to the lack of teeth. According to the Centers for Disease Control, around 17% of adults aged 65 and older are edentulous. Major contributors to tooth loss in seniors include poor oral hygiene, gum disease, tooth decay, smoking, and sometimes certain medications. Losing teeth harms the quality of life by affecting the ability to chew food properly, leading to nutritional deficiencies, speech difficulties, and reduced self-esteem.

Recommendations:

  • Get regular dental checkups and cleanings to detect and treat dental issues early.
  • Have good oral hygiene practices, a healthy diet, and address dry mouth.

Increased Sensitivity

Increased tooth sensitivity in seniors is primarily caused by the natural aging process, which often leads to gum recession, exposing the sensitive root surface of the tooth where the enamel is thinner, making teeth more susceptible to pain from hot, cold, or sugary foods and drinks. As we age, gums tend to recede naturally, exposing the root of the tooth which lacks the protective enamel layer, leading to sensitivity.

Recommendations:

  • Use special toothpaste specifically designed for sensitive teeth, often containing ingredients like potassium nitrate.
  • Ask the dentist about professional fluoride treatments to strengthen tooth enamel.
  • Limit acidic foods and beverages.
  • Brush your teeth softly with a soft-bristled toothbrush.

Oral Cancer

Oral cancer is a common type of head and neck cancer that primarily affects older adults. It is most commonly diagnosed in people in their 60s. It takes many years for cancers to develop in the mouth and can start in the mouth or the middle part of the throat that you can see when you open your mouth. That is why about 80% of new cases show up in people 55 years and up. Treatment for oral cancer in elderly patients can include chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or a combination of both. Elderly patients may choose conservative or palliative management. Older age is a significant predictor of a worse prognosis.

Risk factors include:

  • Tobacco and alcohol use
  • Age
  • Sex – Oral cancer is more common in men than women.

Contact Hamby Family Dental Center to Schedule your Dental Appointment

Our team at Hamby Family Dental Center is concerned with your overall oral health, regardless of your age. We provide experienced dental care to children, teens, adults, and seniors. Keeping up with your bi-annual dental exams is crucial to maintaining good oral health at any age. Contact us today for a checkup or solution to a specific dental issue. Call us at  919-552-2431 or complete the form below.

  • By submitting this form, you are consenting to our privacy policy.