A Guide to Oral Health for Seniors

Straight Talk About Good Dental Care
Growing older often means adapting to change. Good habits maintained for a lifetime help us cope with change and help preserve a healthy, quality lifestyle. Your daily brushing and flossing routine and regular visits to the dentist are strong foundations for good oral and overall health.

How Does Growing Older Affect Oral Health?

The aging process often creates subtle or dramatic changes in the condition of teeth, mouth and gums.

  • Keeping teeth clean and white may become more involved.

    The formation of plaque, a colourless layer of bacteria that builds up on teeth, accelerates as we grow older. Teeth also may darken in color due to changes in dentin, the bone-like tissue underneath tooth enamel.

  • Gums may begin to recede from teeth.

    This process exposes tooth roots to plaque and can cause tooth decay. In addition, older fillings may weaken and crack, allowing bacteria to accumulate around the edges of fillings - causing cavities. Unfortunately, many individuals over the age of 50 have decay on both teeth and roots which may require clinical care.

  • "Dry Mouth" may develop.

    Caused by reduced saliva flow, dry mouth may lead to tooth damage. Reduced saliva flow may be a medical disorder or a side effect of medications such as antihistamines, decongestants, pain killers or diuretics. The reduced flow affects teeth because saliva acts a cleaning agent in the mouth to wash away acids produced by plaque. When the mouth is not adequately lubricated and moistened by saliva, plaque forms more quickly and produces cavities.

  • Gum disease develops more readily.

    Bacteria found in sugars and starches create toxins which irritate the gums and cause gum tissue to separate from teeth. Left untreated, gum disease can cause unnecessary tooth loss. It also may dissolve the bone that holds your teeth in place. Poorly fitting dentures, poor oral hygiene, illnesses and some medications may increase the severity of gum disease and create chewing problems and pain in the jaw. Fortunately,visiting your dentist regularly can help reduce the spread of gum disease and its damaging effects.

What Can Be Done To Keep My Mouth Healthy?
Visit your Hygienist and Dentist regularly. Scheduling periodic check-ups is the best way to prevent and detect problems resulting from the aging process. Dentists are trained to detect changes in the condition of gums and teeth as part of regular oral examinations. Early treatment of gum disease and cavities reduces the need - and the cost - for more extensive treatment that may be required if problems of the mouth, gums and teeth go untreated.

Good at-home care can help reduce the formation of plaque. The sad fact is that brushing and flossing alone cannot remove tartar (hardened plaque) from teeth. See your dentist to have tartar removed professionally.

As part of the healthcare team, your dentist is able to diagnose life-threatening diseases that require medical attention. Early signs of diabetes, oral cancer or adverse drug reactions and interactions often can be spotted by the dentist during a regular dental exam.

It is important to note that your medical condition may have an impact on how your dentist delivers dental care. Dental patients with heart conditions or high blood pressure may require pre-medication, or a change in their regular medication, before undergoing certain dental procedures

These conditions should be discussed with your dentist during regular check-ups.


Can Dental Treatment Help Maintain My Lifestyle?

Yes. You should be able to eat as you like and enjoy a beautiful smile. Many dental treatments are designed to restore your gums and teeth to their youthful good health. Daily use of fluoridated toothpaste's and mouthwashes prescribed by your dentist can strengthen tooth enamel and reduce tooth decay, especially around any exposed roots.

Periodontal (gum) treatments can reduce gum sensitivity, recession and bleeding. These treatments also can strengthen the bones that hold teeth in place.

Implants, dentures and other tooth restorations are available options. By filling in gaps from lost teeth or by replacing diseased teeth, your dentist can help you maintain good chewing surfaces and bite alignments so that you can chew with ease, eat in comfort and smile with assurance.