Oral health can affect a person’s overall health and quality of life. Preventive geriatric dental care is particularly important for seniors, as they are more susceptible to many health conditions related to dental problems. Some of the most common dental problems include:
Tooth decay: Seniors are at increased risk for cavities due to dry mouth, which can be a side effect of medications taken for depression, asthma or high blood pressure.
Gum disease: Gum disease can cause sore, bleeding gums, chewing problems and tooth loss.
Tooth loss: Having missing teeth or wearing dentures can affect nutrition, because people without teeth or with dentures often prefer soft, easy-to-chew foods instead of fresh fruits and vegetables.
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), almost 60% of adults 65 and older have some form of gum disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report approximately 26% of seniors 65 and older have fewer than eight teeth and more than 15% have lost all of their teeth.
Risks and Complications
Oral cancers are more commonly diagnosed in older adults. A National Institutes of Health study found that poor oral hygiene due to infrequent tooth brushing was associated with primary oral cancer.
If you—as a senior—have a chronic disease such as diabetes, heart disease or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), you are more likely to develop gum disease.
In addition, inflammation due to gum disease increases the risk of heart disease. People with diabetes who have poor blood sugar control are at a higher risk for gum disease which, in turn, affects a person’s ability to control blood sugar levels.
According to the NIH, osteoporosis, a common disease among seniors, can lead to tooth loss due to reduced bone density in the jaw that supports and anchors the teeth.
Prevention
To avoid dental problems, preventive geriatric dental care is extremely important.
Prevention should include:
- Brushing teeth twice a day for at least two minutes.
- Flossing daily, to remove food from between teeth.
- Rinsing with mouthwash after flossing.
- Avoiding acidic foods that can damage tooth enamel.
- Regular oral exams.
- Not smoking or using tobacco products.
- Consuming less sugar.
- Drinking plenty of fluids.
Early identification of dental problems can minimize treatment and costs. People with chronic conditions need to make consistent preventive dental care a top priority.
Making Geriatric Dental Care Appointments Less Stressful
Dentophobia is an extreme fear of going to the dentist, which is often linked to bad experiences with a dentist at an early age. It can be heightened by the sights, sounds and smells associated with the dentist’s office. Also, if you haven’t been in a while, you may fear receiving bad news about your oral health.
Some statistics show that as many as 20 percent of people experience enough anxiety that they will visit the dentist only when absolutely necessary.
To combat this fear, find a dentist who understands how you feel. These dentists will:
- Listen to your concerns, particularly your unique pain tolerance.
- Explain what you will feel and for how long.
- Frequently check in with you during procedures.
- Give you a way to signal if you feel uncomfortable (raising a hand).
- Make time for breaks if needed.
Things You Can Do
- During the visit, take a friend or close relative with you who doesn’t fear dentists.
- Bring noise-cancelling headphones or earbuds with music to the appointment.
- See the dentist at a less busy time in the day, such as morning hours. There will be fewer people and fewer dental tools making noises that may trigger your anxiety.
- While waiting, practice deep breathing exercises. Take a deep breath and let it out slowly.
Staying independent and healthy means prioritizing your oral health. Reduce your risk of disease, become more comfortable keeping up with your geriatric dental care appointments, and enjoy a bright, healthy smile for longer by following these tips!
Take a look at our health and wellness blog for more articles about preventive care.
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