Did you know the UK population is rapidly ageing? In 2022, 19% of people were 65 years of age or over and this percentage is projected to increase to 27% by 2072.
With an increased ageing population comes the need for better dental care. As we age, gums and teeth face more than the usual challenges. The appearance of dry mouth, increased risk of gum disease, and tooth decay are all part and parcel of ageing. But with the right approach and care, your teeth can look as good as new even into your latter years.
In this practical guide, we’ll talk you through some of the tips and tricks that you can use to ensure your oral health remains on point; but first, let’s discuss why dental care for seniors is important.
Why Is There A Need For Optimising Dental Care For The Elderly?
Studies have shown a strong connection between poor oral health and medical ailments in seniors.
Research published in the Journal of Periodontology, for example, states that individuals with gum disease are at higher risk of developing heart disease and stroke. Bad bacteria from inflamed gums can enter the bloodstream, causing arterial plaque in the coronary arteries of the heart.
Furthermore, poor oral health is a contributor to respiratory diseases. Evidence shows that bacteria from the mouth can travel to the lungs, triggering lung infections like pneumonia or the worsening of an existing respiratory condition.
On top of these serious health problems, poor oral health affects the quality of life of many seniors. As chewing ability decreases, so too does the ability to enjoy healthy nutritious foods. Overall health is often affected and reduced immunity makes the elderly more susceptible to illness.
Other Dental Challenges Faced By Seniors
As people age, restricted movements can make brushing difficult, increasing the likelihood of developing gingivitis and periodontitis. Age-related co-morbidities and dry mouth further worsen the scenario.
Long-term wear and tear on teeth is also inevitable. Protective enamel thins, exposing the yellow dentin beneath, making natural teeth not only lose their whiteness but become more prone to cavities. Furthermore, gums recede with time which can sometimes leave tooth roots exposed.
Gingivitis and periodontitis can ultimately cause tooth loss if left untreated. And just like a vicious circle, pocketing produced through inflamed gums makes it harder to maintain immaculate oral hygiene, and so, the cycle worsens.
Finally, a dry mouth exacerbated by ageing or medications can also accelerate dental problems. A lack of saliva upsets the bacterial balance making the environment conducive to pathogenic breeding and is not there to wash away food particles that otherwise sit in the spaces between the teeth.
That’s the bad news of growing old…
The good news is that if you follow the tips outlined below it is possible to keep your smile looking healthy. So let’s take a look at three of the best and easiest dental care tips for the elderly…
#1 - Preventive Care
As we age, the vulnerability to tooth decay and gum recession increases. Therefore, one way to monitor the telltale signs of dental ageing is to adopt preventive care.
Regular dental visits enable dentists to identify any oral problems early before they worsen.
According to research published by the National Library of Medicine, elderly people who never miss their dental checkups show far improved dental hygiene than patients who don’t see the dentist regularly.
Understandably, some seniors can’t visit the dentist at all due to immobility issues but some dentists will provide a home visit service if required. So, if you haven’t seen your dentist in the last six months, it might be worth contacting them to see how they can help.
Until then, make a habit of brushing twice daily, after breakfast and before going to bed, to significantly reduce the incidence of dental problems.
Additionally, flossing is integral to dental care, but if you find it difficult to floss using conventional methods, it may be worth investing in a waterPik. As the name suggests, a waterPik uses a powerful jet of water to dislodge food particles without the discomfort of conventional flossing.
#2 - Lifestyle Modifications
According to the modified Yale Food Addiction 2.0, many elderly people are consuming ultra-processed food, with 13% of adults aged between 50 and 80 fulfilling the criteria for addiction. Almost 44% of them experience one symptom of food addiction, like intense craving and signs of withdrawal, indicating their reliance on such food types. If you can relate to this, try to limit the intake of foods high in saturated fats like biscuits, cakes and chips, and replace them with unsaturated fats like butter, avocados, etc.
Next, if you can, add vegetables, fruits, legumes, grains, and dairy products to your diet. All these foods are rich in calcium and vitamins which will not only strengthen your bones but will also boost the health of your teeth.
Finally, it’s important to stay hydrated so ensure you drink plenty of water. The recommended amount for seniors is 2 litres or 8 glasses per day.
#3 - Integrated Health Care
Your physical health and dental health are inextricably linked. Whatever your body is going through, it’s often expressed in problematic symptoms located in the mouth. The key to care lies in knowledge of ‘self’. Know about your medical conditions and be aware of the side effects of any conditions you have.
Summing Up
As we grow old, we encounter a different set of problems that can (if not treated) give way to tooth decay, periodontal diseases and tooth loss. However, it doesn’t have to be this way; by practising good oral hygiene, adopting a balanced diet and being aware of medical side effects you should find that teeth and gums remain healthy for much longer.
Of course, all of the above practices are wasted without regular dental intervention. Regular checkups are the final piece in the jigsaw that ensures the absolute best dental care for elderly patients in the long term. So do follow the advice given above but also, don’t forget to contact your local dentist for that overdue visit today!