Comprehensive guide on dental health and care for seniors

96% of seniors or older have cavities

Tooth decay is painful and may lead to further complications, such as sensitivity, abscesses, or an increased risk of breakage. It is one of the most common elderly dental problems.

Cavities show up as permanently damaged areas on the hard, outer area of the tooth. With time, small holes and openings form that can lead to disease of the pulp and eventually death of the tooth.

Seeing the dentist regularly for exams and cleanings allows them to catch cavities when they are small, easier, and cheaper to fix.

• poor oral hygiene,
• not getting enough fluoride,
• dry mouth,
• sugary and acidic foods.

• counteraction to the above-mentioned reasons,
• dental fillings,
• dental crowns,
• inlays/inlays.

64% of older adults have gum disease

Untreated periodontitis (gum disease) causes bone loss and makes soft tissues to pull away from teeth, creating empty spaces around them. That’s why this is a leading reason for tooth loss.

Bacteria and food debris then accumulates in the empty “pockets” and causes painful infections. The most common symptoms are inflammation, bad breath, and bleeding when brushing or flossing teeth.

Gum disease can also be responsible for many general conditions, among them heart issues.

• poor oral hygiene,
• smoking,
• anemia,
• cancer,
• diabetes.

• visit a dentist for a therapeutic SRP,
• improve oral hygiene.

19% of adults aged 65 or older have no teeth

The average older adult has 19 teeth. Tooth loss strongly affects nutrition. People without natural teeth tend to avoid some foods, including raw fruits and vegetables.

Visible dentition defects can also lower self-esteem and make people less social. This is particularly true as lack of teeth clearly alters the shape of the face, making people look older.

Tooth loss is not a natural part of aging, contrary to what some might think. It is perfectly plausible to have natural dentition as a senior. Edentulism is a result of dental issues that can and should be treated.

• gum disease,
• tooth decay,
• trauma.

• replace missing teeth with dentures, crowns, bridges, or implants.

27% of elders experience dry mouth

Reduced saliva flow is more common among seniors than in any other age group. Lack of spit puts you at a much higher risk of getting gum disease, cavities, and other mouth infections. It also leads to trouble with speaking, swallowing, and wearing dentures.

• cancer treatment,
• side effect of many medications,
• chronic diseases such as Sjögren's syndrome, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, anemia, rheumatoid arthritis, Parkinson's disease,
• using tobacco,
• dehydration.

• stay hydrated,
• avoid alcoholic mouthwash,
• suck on sugar-free candies or gum,
• breathe through your nose,
• use Biotene or other OTC products for dry mouth.

50-65% of removable denture wearers have thrush

Thrush is characterized by a white rash inside the mouth. It is a yeast infection, which can also occur in other places on the body. The candida fungus resides in your mouth naturally, but some medications can upset the balance, causing this condition.

• corticosteroids or antibiotics intake (common after dental surgery),
• smoking,
• uncontrolled diabetes,
• poor oral hygiene,
• not removing/cleaning your prosthesis daily.

• antifungal medications that you take for 10-14 days.

The age between 60 and 70 is the peak of oral cancer incidence

Oral cancer shows up in the mouth as a sore or lump that doesn’t go away. It can focus on any soft tissues including the tongue, cheeks, lips, the palate, and the pharynx. Early diagnosis is vital, as this does not have to be a life-threatening disease.

Oral cancer is the eighth most common type in the world.

• smoking,
• excessive drinking of alcohol,
• family history of cancer,
• using snuff.

• surgery to remove the lump followed by radiation,
• or chemotherapy.