As people age, dental health requires greater vigilance. Because the immune systems of elderly persons are not as strong as when they were young, dental problems such as periodontal disease are often harder to manage. In addition, about 85 percent of individuals over age 65 have one or more chronic illnesses, according to the Academy of General Dentistry. And many of these conditions or their medications can affect dental health.
“The mouth is a window to your health,” says Dr. Anne Murray, a spokesperson for the AGD who has a private dental practice in Cupertino. “Problems we see in the mouth could be related to systemic problems.”
Periodontal disease may point to health problems such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease or vitamin deficiency. Ironically, seniors often ignore their teeth because other health issues seem more pressing. If dentists identify health issues, they encourage patients to talk to their physicians about them.
One physical change as people age is a lower production of saliva, also known as dry mouth. Saliva works to cleanse the mouth of food particles and buffers the acids taken in (fruit juice and soda are acidic, for example). Less saliva means a greater chance of cavities or periodontal disease, which typically affects people in their 50s and 60s. If untreated, periodontal disease can result in infection, swollen gums, and bone and tooth loss.
Dry mouth is also a common side effect of many medications. Seniors should tell their dentist if they feel a drug has caused a reduction in saliva.
“The elderly often use lozenges to ease coughs and increase saliva,” Murray says. “But those with sugar quickly cause cavities, so switch to sugar-free brands. Drinking more water helps, too.”
As baby boomers age, there will be more senior Americans than ever before. This generation has had better health care and information than any generation in the past. Murray sees more seniors interested in aesthetics such as teeth whitening, implants to replace missing teeth and smile makeovers. She credits the TV makeover phenomenon: “More older patients are saying ‘Wow, maybe I won’t look like a model, but why shouldn’t I have some of those treatments?'”
Seniors should visit a dentist twice a year or more, depending on their health. Even patients without teeth should visit the dentist once a year for an oral-health check for cancer of the mouth and throat. (Dentists have been known to spot skin cancers because they spend time up close to the face.)
Patients should inform the doctor of everything in their medical history, whether it’s rheumatic fever, hip-replacement surgery, heart disease or allergies. It is also very important for seniors to bring a list of all medications and supplements they’re taking to be reviewed by the dentist. “Aspirins, herbal medications, vitamins and other over-the-counter products about which we don’t necessarily consult a physician may cause interactions with medications,” Murray warns.
As dexterity decreases with age, many people need to make modifications so that they can keep up their dental care, whether that means a special toothbrush or adapting their own to allow a good grip. Their dentist can assist if problems arise with brushing and flossing.
Seniors should not miss out on the benefits of a healthy smile. Murray says the important thing is to keep up with dental hygiene: “Sometimes seniors will give their teeth a good cleaning and have a little bleeding — and so they back off for days. I always tell my patients that they must be consistent and thorough.”
For more information, visit www.agd.org to explore more than 300 oral-health topics, post a dental question or find a dentist.