When to Seek Out Dental Care for Seniors

Too frequently, taking care of our teeth takes a back seat to more pressing matters, especially when a visit to the dentist for a senior means having to leave the house. But neglecting Mom or Dad’s dental checkups can be a major oversight, as their oral health affects their quality of life in more ways than most of us may realize. And without proper dental hygiene, seeking out dental help for seniors can quickly turn from routine visits to emergency care.

The Effects of Poor Oral Health

Not only can poor oral health cause them pain and discomfort, but it can also affect their nutritional needs, as they will probably gravitate toward softer, processed foods and away from fibrous and textured foods like fruits and vegetables to avoid that pain.

In addition, studies have determined the health of our teeth and gums is closely related to our cardiovascular wellness, according to the American Heart Association. Especially concerning is the relationship between cavities and strokes. It’s been found that infections of the mouth can cause small blood vessels in the brain to become dangerously fragile. And according to the Centers for Disease Control, one in five people over the age of 65 has untreated tooth decay and more than two-thirds of seniors have gum disease.

So how do you know when it’s time to find dental help for seniors?

Here are a few indicators:

Tooth pain

Toothaches should never be ignored. Pain in our mouth can be a sign of a cavity, abscess, or a broken tooth. A dentist can determine the cause of pain, not only to resolve the discomfort, but also to prevent a small issue from becoming a larger one in the future.

Bleeding gums

Do your parent’s gums bleed after brushing or flossing? It could be a sign of advanced periodontal disease, an infection that when left untreated could lead to bone loss and loose teeth that could eventually fall out or need to be removed. Other signs of gum disease are swollen or tender gums that are often red in color. You may also notice discharge between their teeth and gums.

Receding gums

A certain degree of gum recession is normal as we get older. Nearly 90 percent of senior citizens see their gums recede around at least one tooth. But a significant amount of recession throughout the mouth can be a sign of gum disease. Retreating gums can expose the vulnerable roots of our teeth, increasing the risk of decay, infection, pain, and tooth loss. It’s important to address receding gums immediately, as treatment may be able to stop the process.

Sores

Common canker sores can be expected to go away on their own in a week or two. But oral sores that linger longer than a couple of weeks must be treated. White sores on the tongue, inside of the cheeks, or the roof of the mouth can be a sign of fungal infection. One common fungal infection, known as thrush, is a condition that is especially common for people with diabetes because they have high levels of glucose in their saliva, which feeds the fungi. Also, seniors who wear a partial or full denture are at a greater risk for developing fungal infections. The good news is that these infections can be easily treated with medicine.

Dry mouth

Seniors with chronic health issues including arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are more likely to develop gum problems. Why? Because prescription and over-the-counter medications to treat these conditions and others can cause dry mouth, and reduced saliva generation can lead to cavities. Consult your senior’s dental professional about over-the-counter treatments for dry mouth.

Loose or migrating teeth

The placement of the teeth in the mouth of adults shouldn’t change much over time. Therefore, if you notice your senior parent has widening gaps between their teeth or their partial dentures don’t fit as well as they used to, it could be a sign of infection or bone loss. This is something that should be checked out as soon as possible.

While these issues are indications that it’s time to seek immediate dental help for seniors, you should still pursue basic dental care, even when your loved one isn’t experiencing problems. You should make it a priority to get them to regular checkups and be certain they take good care of their teeth when they’re at home.

Senior tooth care tips:

• Brush at least twice a day and make sure to do a thorough job. It should take at least two minutes to complete the job.
• It’s important seniors use a toothbrush with soft bristles because firmer ones can do damage to their gums.
• Floss at least once a day to clear plaque between your teeth and below the gum line, vulnerable entry points for gum disease.
• If your senior parent wears dentures, they should be sure to clean them every day. Plaque buildup can irritate their gums. It’s important to remove dentures while they sleep for the same reason.
• Ask your dentist if a fluoride rinse is a good idea for your loved one as a method to help prevent tooth decay.

For more dental health tips, follow Bethesda’s health & wellness blog.