As a senior adult, do I really still need to be concerned about cavities?
Actually, cavities can be more frequent in adults for a number of reasons. Life-long exposure to fluoride through community water supplies and toothpaste might not have been a possibility for some of our oldest seniors. It simply wasn’t available when these seniors were growing up. Also, adults are more likely to have decay around older fillings.
In addition, cavities in the tooth root are more common, as gum tissue begins to recede in older adults, exposing the tooth root surface to decay. Also, dry mouth, resulting from the natural aging process itself, certain medicines and diseases, can lead to more tooth decay. Without an adequate amount of saliva, food particles can’t be washed away and the acids produced by plaque can’t be neutralized.
My teeth have suddenly become very sensitive to both hot and cold, but my mouth is otherwise healthy. What could cause this?
Receding gum tissue could be the cause. As gum tissue pulls back away from teeth, the root of the tooth becomes exposed. This could be causing the sensitivity.
A soft tissue graft would be the recommended treatment. For more information, see the document, "Treating Gum Disease." Visit your dentist to make sure receding gum tissue is the cause and not tooth decay or some other cause. Other treatment suggestions might include using a fluoride mouth rinse or switching to a toothpaste made specifically for sensitive teeth.
Can braces still be an option for the senior adult?
There is no age limit for correcting misaligned (crooked) teeth. The mechanical process used to move teeth is the same at any age. So the benefits of orthodontic treatments, such as braces, are available to both children and adults who wish to improve their appearance and bite. The main differences between treatments in adults and children is that certain corrections in adults might require more than braces alone, and the treatments might take longer because adult bones are no longer growing.
Are seniors more at risk for oral cancer?
Yes, the risk of oral cancer increases with age. Any lesion found on the tongue or anywhere in the mouth needs to be examined then closely watched. Smoking or drinking alcoholic beverages is associated with oral cancer. For more information on oral cancer, see the document, "Oral Cancer."
Is there anything I can do to make my loose teeth more secure?
First, visit a periodontist (a dentist who specializes in diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases of the soft tissues of the mouth [the gums], and the supporting structures [bones] of the teeth [both natural and man-made teeth]). He or she will examine your condition, review your oral hygiene practices, and discuss your medical history. Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, can contribute to the problem of loose teeth.
How does long-term smoking affect oral health?
For one, smoking increases your risk of oral cancer. Other oral health consequences include delayed healing following tooth extraction and periodontal treatment; increased bone loss within the jaw, bad breath, and tooth discoloration. See the document, "Use of Tobacco Products and Oral Health Issues" for more information on the oral health harms of tobacco products.
Can dentists treat patients with moderate dementia?
The ideal time to take care of all necessary dental treatments is soon after the person has been diagnosed with dementia. This way, hopefully, mostly easier maintenance treatments will be all that is necessary as the person ages. However, patients with moderate levels of dementia can be treated and can receive anesthesia. Setting a dental appointment early in the day, when the person with dementia is most alert, might be best. Also, the caregiver needs to communicate to the person with dementia that he or she is going to the dentist and state the reason for the visit.
If an older person has few or no dental problems or even no teeth, does he or she need to see the dentist?
Even if you do not have teeth or only have had a few dental problems, it is wise -- especially as you age -- to visit your dentist at least once a year for a comprehensive oral exam. At this visit your dentist can look for signs of oral cancer as well as for any other oral health or medical problems in the mouth, head, and neck areas. For more information, see the document, "Dental Check-Ups."
My dentures don’t feel as comfortable as they once did. What should I do?
First, never try to change the shape of your dentures yourself in the hopes of making them fit better. You can cause damage that will make the denture un-repairable.
Your gums and the bone supporting them change shape as you age, so your dentures might begin to feel loose.
Because dentures are made to fit perfectly, if you do feel a looseness, chances are your dentures will need to be adjusted to make them fit properly again as your mouth shape changes. See your dentist as soon as possible. In an emergency, use a denture adhesive to keep your dentures stable until your appointment. For more information, see the documents, "Dentures" and "Caring for Your Dentures."
I find it difficult to chew and swallow certain foods. Do I really need to be concerned about eating a balanced diet as a senior?
You might be experiencing these difficulties simply because you have tooth decay, ill-fitting dentures, dry mouth, or another condition that is very likely to be treatable. Maintaining proper nutrition is important not only for your oral health but for your overall health too. To maintain overall good nutrition, follow this advice:
- Eat a variety of foods from the five food groups (milk and dairy, breads and cereals, meats and dried beans, fruits, and vegetables).
- Choose a diet with plenty of grain products, fruits, and vegetables.
- Choose a diet low in fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol.
- Choose a diet moderate in sugars.
- Choose a diet moderate in salt.
- If you drink alcoholic beverages, drink in moderation.
You might need a multivitamin or mineral supplement. Check with your doctor. For a few other tips, see the document, "Your Diet and Oral Health."
Can medicines that I am taking affect my dental treatment?
Yes. In fact, each time you visit your dentist, be sure to give him or her complete, up-to-date information about any recent hospitalizations or surgery, recent illnesses and/or any changes in your health since your last visit, and any changes in any medicines you are taking. Regarding medicines, be sure to write down and bring with you a list of the names of current medicines you are taking, their dosages, and frequency of use. Include any over-the-counter products you might be using, as well as any herbal products and any supplements. Your dentist will consider all of these issues in order to devise a safe and effective treatment plan for you.
I’ve heard that implants are an alternative to dentures. What should I know about implants?
First, you should know that today’s older adults are keeping their natural teeth longer. According to a recent survey by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, the rate of tooth loss in individuals aged 55 to 64 has dropped 6 percent since 1960. This is attributed to scientific developments as well as to a growing awareness of good oral hygiene practices.
Despite this good news, some older adults do suffer from tooth loss and will need dentures, bridges, or an alternative -- such as implants. Dental implants are replacement tooth roots. Implants provide a strong foundation for fixed (permanent) or removable replacement teeth that are made to match your natural teeth.
Not everyone is a candidate for implants. Patients should have healthy gums and enough bone to hold the implant. Heavy smokers, people suffering from uncontrolled chronic disorders -- such as diabetes or heart disease -- or patients who have had radiation therapy to the head-neck area need to be evaluated on an individual basis. Talk to your dentist to see if implants might be an option for you.
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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...#11190
