Tooth Talk: Healthy Smiles for a Lifetime

Seniors (55+)

Chronic Disease and Your Teeth
Gum Disease Can Wreak Havoc Well Beyond Our Mouths

There’s an old saying that the eyes are the windows to the soul. But new medical research shows that the condition of our gums and teeth may act as a window to other serious health risks.

Older adults with periodontal (gums) disease should be extra vigilant. Studies link gum disease to a variety of other systemic or “whole body” chronic health problems like diabetes, heart disease, and even osteoporosis and Alzheimer’s disease.

What’s the Relationship?
Scientists believe that bacteria from untreated gum disease enters the blood stream and then travels to major organs like the heart where, in that instance, the bacteria attaches to fatty plaques in the coronary arteries. This could lead to a heart attack.

Gum disease may also prove an unfortunate complication for diabetics who are more susceptible to infection. Even our bone health can be related to our gums. Bone loss in postmenopausal women may show up on a dental x-ray and could point to osteoporosis in someone who may not have yet had a bone density test (which we would recommend!).

A Chain Reaction
Research also links the chronic inflammation of gum disease to an inflammatory response that can damage brain tissue and contribute to the development of Alzheimer’s Disease. A person with severe or untreated gum disease might not eat properly, could lose weight and energy which leads to muscle atrophy. Lack of exercise helps accelerate mental health degeneration.

The bottom line: Patients with gum disease, especially older adults, need to pay attention to changes in their body. If you already have a chronic medical condition, tell your dentist. Don’t overlook the relationship between your ailment and your teeth and gums.

Taking daily medications for conditions like blood pressure and depression may lead to dry mouth. A lack of saliva can leave us more susceptible to periodontal disease. Some helpful tips:

Use a lip moisturizer
Suck on tart, sugarless hard candies or chew sugarless gum
Avoid salty dry foods
Rinse your mouth with water or recommended oral rinses
Try a commercially-available saliva substitute
Use a specially formulated toothpaste or non-alcohol based mouthwash

Missing and Damaged Teeth
Ignoring Gaps in Your Teeth Can Lead to Problems

Statistics show that 69% of adults age 35 to 44 have lost at least one permanent tooth. By age 65 and older, seniors typically experience an average of three or more decayed or missing permanent teeth.

Just because you’re no longer a spry twenty-year-old doesn’t mean you shouldn’t look your best. Moreover, ignoring problems like damaged or missing teeth can cause seniors to experience unpleasant dental-related issues.

What Can Be Done?
For multiple missing teeth, permanent or “fixed” dental bridges are replacement options. Full or partial dentures might also be considered. Dentures may offer the least expensive means of replacing teeth. And fortunately, today’s dentures are more flexible and natural looking than they used to be.

Patients concerned about possible denture slippage and messy adhesives might want to consider dental implants to support bridges or a full set of dentures. A dental implant can successfully replace a single lost tooth or many teeth. A new titanium “root” is inserted into the jaw and supports a natural-looking crown. The resulting “tooth” looks, feels and functions just like other natural teeth.

Addressing Aesthetic Concerns
For damaged, cracked, chipped or discolored teeth, many safe, painless procedures like porcelain veneers, teeth whitening and crown replacement (using today’s natural-looking porcelain material) might be considered. Even worn, dark amalgam fillings can be replaced with cleaner-looking, tooth-colored composites.

Many seniors have to deal with dental challenges that our younger patients will hopefully not face as they age. Today’s youth will benefit from fluoridation, sealants and better overall dental hygiene. But we can still offer our older population great solutions to keep their smiles healthy and vibrant.

More than Just an Appearance Issue?
Missing teeth can lead to more serious consequences than an altered appearance or decrease in self-esteem. Prominent gaps in your mouth can cause issues such as:

overclosing of the mouth (your face will look shorter)
drifting of nearby teeth
difficulty chewing
altered speech
bacteria pockets around the gums that increase risk of decay and gum disease
jaw pain and headaches

Our Teeth as We Age
Older Teeth: Dental Options for Seniors Offer Reasons to Smile

Older Americans may have wisdom and experience on their side – but unfortunately, they’re not off the hook when it comes to cavities. Surprisingly, tooth decay may be even higher among seniors than children for a variety of reasons, including an increase in gum recession. As a result, many seniors find themselves with less-than-attractive teeth and gums that causes shame and embarrassment, not to mention the potential for more serious health problems.

The widespread introduction of water fluoridation in the 1950’s had a dramatic impact on dental health, including a sharp decrease in cavities. Those born before that period did not reap those benefits. However, despite possible poor dental histories, most seniors can still take advantage of some innovative preventative, restorative and aesthetic dental solutions.

Many Options
Today’s dentistry offers more options than ever to help our older population feel and look their best. Teeth whitening procedures can brighten natural teeth. Older crowns can be replaced with more natural-looking ones. Cosmetic bonding or porcelain veneers can repair chipped or cracked teeth.

Partial or full dentures and dental implants are popular options to assist seniors with more severe dental issues. For patients without insurance coverage or those on a fixed budget, financing is available.

Always Be Vigilant
Your dentist may be able to spot evidence of chronic health problems like osteoporosis, heart disease and diabetes just by looking into your mouth. And statistics show that oral cancer increases with age, apparently peaking between ages 60 and 70. So all seniors – even those with few or even no natural remaining teeth – need to visit their dentist regularly for screenings.

Even minor oral changes like unexplained bleeding, a suddenly uncomfortable denture fit or rough spots should be discussed. You should never assume that even small changes are simply due to “just getting older.”

More Helpful Tips for Seniors:

Try to maintain a nutritious diet
Clean dentures or removable bridges daily and store in cool water or a special denture solution
Use an electric toothbrush if you’re arthritic and have gripping issues. Inserting a regular toothbrush handle into a rubber ball could also help
Alert your dentist to any medications you are taking that might cause “dry mouth” which can promote decay
Use a soft washcloth or gauze to help clean your teeth if you’re temporarily unable to brush