What are the general oral health issues related to advancing age?
Below are some common teeth and mouth problems seen in seniors.
- Darkened teeth is caused, to some extent, by changes in dentin -- the bone-like tissue that underlies the tooth enamel -- and by a lifetime of consuming stain-causing foods and beverages.
- Dry mouth is caused by a reduced saliva flow, which can be caused by cancer treatments that use radiation to the head and neck area. Other causes include certain diseases, such as Sjogren’s syndrome, and certain medicines.
- Diminished sense of taste is caused by a natural age-related decrease in the senses of taste and smell; but diseases, medicines, and dentures can contribute to this sensory loss.
- Root decay is caused by exposure of the tooth root to decay-causing acids. The tooth roots become exposed as gum tissue recedes from the tooth.
- Gum disease is caused by plaque and can be made worse by food left in teeth, use of tobacco products, poor-fitting bridges and dentures, poor diets, and certain diseases, such as anemia, cancer, and diabetes. It is a leading cause of tooth loss.
- Uneven jawbone is caused by tooth loss.
- Denture-induced stomatitis is an inflammation of the tissue underlying a denture. Ill-fitting dentures, poor dental hygiene, or a buildup of the fungus Candida albicans cause the condition.
- Thrush is an overgrowth of the fungus Candida albicans in the mouth. Diseases or drugs that affect the immune system can trigger the overgrowth.
Age in and of itself is not a dominant or sole factor in determining oral health. However, certain medical conditions, such as arthritis in the hands and fingers, might make brushing or flossing difficult to impossible to perform. Medicines you might be taking can also affect your oral health and might make a change in your dental treatment necessary.
How important is oral hygiene in the senior years?
Daily brushing and flossing of your natural teeth is essential to keeping them in good health. Plaque can build up quickly on the teeth of older adults, especially if oral hygiene is neglected, and can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
To maintain good oral health, it’s important for all individuals -- regardless of age -- to:
- Brush at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste
- Floss at least once a day
- Visit your dentist on a regular schedule for teeth exam, cleaning, and oral examination
I have arthritis in my hands and have difficulty cleaning my teeth. What can you recommend?
There are several adaptations that you can try that should make brushing your teeth easier to accomplish.
To brush your teeth
To increase the size of the handle, try wrapping the handle with tape. Or, insert the handle into a rubber ball or into a bicycle grip handle. To increase the length of the toothbrush handle, tape two tongue depressors, popsicle/ice cream bar sticks, or small plastic or wooden rules to the toothbrush handle.
Another option that might offer assistance is to attach a wide elastic band to the toothbrush under which you can slide your hand. Finally, a battery- or electric-powered toothbrush might be the most appropriate solution, depending on your dexterity.
To floss your teeth
A variety of flossing aids are available from your local drug store. Ask your dentist or dental hygienist which type of product might be best suited for you.
To care for your dentures
Each morning, before you place your dentures in your mouth, brush your gums, tongue, and roof of your mouth with toothpaste to remove plaque and food particles, and to prevent staining.
As a senior, what type of examination should I expect from my dentist?
Your dentist should conduct a thorough history and oral examination. Questions asked during your dental history should include:
- The approximate date of your last dental visit and reason for the visit
- If you have noticed any recent changes in your mouth
- If you have noticed any loose or sensitive teeth
- If you have noticed any difficulty tasting, chewing, or swallowing
- If you have any pain, discomfort, sores, or bleeding in your mouth
- If you have noticed any lumps, bumps, or swellings in your mouth
During your oral assessment, your dentist will check the following
- Your face and neck — for skin discoloration, moles, sores
- Your bite — for any problems in how your teeth come together while opening and closing your mouth
- Your temporomandibular joint — for signs of clicking and popping in the joint
- Your lymph nodes and salivary glands — for any sign of swelling or lumps
- Your inner cheeks — for infections, ulcers, traumatic injuries
- Your tongue and other interior surfaces -- floor of the mouth, soft and hard palate, gum tissue — for signs of infection or oral cancer
- Your teeth — for decay, condition of fillings, cracks in teeth
If you wear dentures or other appliances, your dentist will ask you a few questions about when you wear your dentures and when you take them out (if removable). He or she will also look for any irritation or problems in the areas in the mouth that the appliance touches, and examine the denture or appliance itself (looking for any worn or broken areas).
I’m on a limited, fixed income and can’t afford regular dental care. Are there some resources available to me?
Yes. Thousands of dentists across the country offer their services at reduced fees through dental society-sponsored assistance programs. Since aid varies from one community to another, call your local dental society for information about where you can find the nearest assistance programs and low-cost care locations (such as public health clinics and dental school clinics).
Check your local phone book or the internet site for your local dental society. (Check under [name of state] dental society or [name of state] dental association, or county or region dental society or association.)
The American Dental Association’s website provides links to state dental association's local societies, and state dental schools. Ask your dentist or call your local social service organization for assistance in locating these types of services in your community.
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This information is provided by the Cleveland Clinic and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition. This document was last reviewed on: 8/4/2003...#11189
