Seniors and Their Oral Health
Caring for your teeth from infancy into your seniors years is essential. Not only are you caring for your smile, but for your oral health. As we age however, the way we care for our teeth changes. In this post we will cover some of the oral health issues seniors face and how we, at Brewery District Dental, can help you care for your smile throughout the years.
Dry Mouth (xerostomia) From my experience with senior dentistry, this is most often seen in patients who are taking a laundry list of medications, and is a common side effect of today’s medications in general. However, it can also occur from radiation to the head and neck area (from cancer treatments), general hormonal changes from aging, or from regular mouth breathing. Saliva has a cleansing effect in the mouth, helping to wash food particles and debris off our teeth. It’s no surprise that dry mouth is associated with a higher incidence of cavities. Dry mouth can also make wearing dentures painful, as friction against the oral tissues becomes an issue. If you experience dry mouth with any regularity, I recommend carrying a bottle of water at all times to keep the mouth moist, and the use of xylitol candies or chewing gum to help stimulate salivary flow.
Manual Dexterity
A loss in manual dexterity can make oral hygiene very challenging. While our elderly patients may very well brush twice daily, the question is how well are they brushing? I often see heavy plaque and tartar deposits on the molars of my senior patients, indicating insufficient hygiene. If they’re finding it difficult to brush well, flossing is likely even more difficult. Consider using something like a water flosser, or delegating your oral hygiene to a caregiver altogether.
Removable Dentures
New denture wearers often find it difficult to eat and speak with their new teeth initially. I always make my patients aware of this adjustment period, but things will gradually improve over time. Have your dentures checked regularly for overall fit and function, to ensure there are no sharp edges causing discomfort. Even seasoned denture-wearers will need regular evaluations. A change in body weight, or changes in the bone supporting the denture can cause changes in overall fit, resulting in impaired function. I also recommend having a spare set of dentures, so you’re not caught in an emergency should you lose or break your main set.
If you have any questions about senior dental care, please contact us at info@brewerydistrictdental.com or call us at 6045222425. We care about our community and we are ready to help! Dr. Jonathan Yeung
