The Importance of Senior Dental Care
As individuals age, their dental health often declines for several reasons. Unfortunately, it is sometimes the result of neglect because elderly patients no longer care for their teeth properly due to issues such as poor mobility or cognitive decline. However, there are also other issues that impact dental health in people over 65 that can lead to serious oral health problems.
Increased Health Issues
The typical patient over 65 has more health issues that complicate their oral health. Hypertension, diabetes, dementia, and other problems complicate oral health issues. These comorbidities can create a vicious cycle. Patients with dementia may not remember to brush their teeth or may not do so properly. Individuals with mobility issues or tremors resulting from Parkinson’s and other diseases may try to brush and floss properly but have difficulty performing the tasks effectively.
Medications
Older adults often take multiple prescription medications or supplements to protect their overall health. Many of these have side effects that affect their oral health. Dry mouth is a common side effect that encourages tooth decay and the proliferation of harmful oral bacteria because saliva production is reduced. Blood thinners can lead to bleeding gums, and some anti-depressants can demineralize the jawbone and teeth.
Why It’s Important to Address Aging and Dental Health
Our population is aging, and the burden of caring for the elderly is increasing. As individuals age, they are predisposed to greater health challenges, and ignoring even one facet of health care can dramatically affect overall health. More than half of adults over 65 have at least two active, chronic health conditions. Being vigilant about senior dental care can prevent multiple health problems from evolving into life-threatening issues. Consider the following:
- Untreated gum disease makes it more difficult to manage chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes.
- Gum recession advances rapidly in older people, risking tooth loss and jawbone damage.
- Adults who neglect their oral health are more likely to develop dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
- Dental disease increases the risk of certain oral cancers in older adults.
- Harmful oral bacteria can be aspirated, leading to life-threatening respiratory illnesses.
- If left untreated, tooth decay and related infections can enter the bloodstream and damage the heart and immune system.
The Importance of Good At-Home Dental Care
Brushing and flossing continue to be the foundation of good senior dental care. That means making sure your elderly loved ones brush at least twice daily and floss daily. If they are struggling with performing this task themselves, you may need to help or find tools to help.
For those with limited mobility, floss picks that can be used with one hand may be easier than traditional floss. Electric toothbrushes can be more effective than brushing teeth manually, particularly in the back of the mouth.
Making Sure Seniors See a Dentist
According to CareQuest, a non-profit focused on improving oral health care access for everyone in the United States, the statistics for seniors are alarming, including:
- 7 in 10 seniors have gum disease
- 1 in 5 seniors have tooth decay
- 1 in 5 seniors living in a rural area haven’t seen a dentist in at least five years
- 1 in 4 Black seniors have lost all of their teeth
- Access to affordable dental care becomes more difficult for patients on Medicare and Medicaid
A minimum of two visits to the dentist for checkups and dental cleanings is also essential to prevent potential problems. Dentists spot most issues, including gingivitis and cavities, before older patients realize they have them or pain sets in.
For patients with active diabetes, heart disease, or gum disease, seeing a dentist 3-4 times a year may be required. Frequent visits allow your dentist time to spot and treat problems proactively.
We Are Your Omaha Dentist for Seniors
If you or a loved one has been neglecting to see a dentist because of the cost, it’s important to realize that preventive care is much less expensive than paying for restorative treatment, dentures, or dental implants because you ignored your oral health for too long. At Bel Drive Dental, our Dental Savings Plan provides full coverage for routine preventive care and discounts on all other dental services. It’s a great way to save money, ensure total senior dental care, and maintain a healthy smile for years to come.