Seniors Have Special
Dental Concerns

“Every tooth in a man’s head is more valuable than a diamond.” So wrote the great Spanish novelist Miguel de Cervantes in the early 17th century. He was not being quixotic. In his day, teeth were not easily replaced. His words are no less true today.  Just ask any woman if she would willingly trade a few of her teeth for a diamond. Even in monetary terms, the cost of dental implants, especially if bone or gum restoration work is required, is as much or more than the average gem.

Fortunately, people are living longer and healthier lives. Older adults are more likely to keep their teeth for a lifetime than they were a decade ago. However, older people have the highest rates of periodontal disease and they require more active intervention in order to maintain good oral health. Dental care for seniors involves some unique issues specific to that age group. This article highlights those issues. Seniors who have the knowledge to protect and extend their oral health will improve their overall health and quality of life.

The most visible dental problem for seniors is tooth color. As we age, plaque builds up more quickly and is harder to remove. At the same time, dentin, the mineralized tissue underneath the tooth enamel that makes up the bulk of our teeth, becomes more brittle and darker. If these natural processes weren’t enough, many of us consume teeth-staining products such as coffee, tea, and tobacco over a period of decades. Fortunately, your dentist has effective solutions to brighten your smile and counteract these assaults that time and our own habits have inflicted on our teeth. 

In addition to a decline in the aesthetics of our teeth, most seniors (statistics indicate over 80%!) have some form of periodontal disease. Problems run the gamut from gingivitis (simple gum inflammation) to full-blown bone damage.  When gums recede and pull away from the teeth, pockets form around the tooth. These pockets become storage bins for food and bacteria; gum tissue becomes inflamed and infected. Also, the softer, exposed root portion of the tooth is more susceptible to decay. Because of an increase in periodontal problems, seniors, even those who have been blessed with relatively few dental problems in the past, find themselves with loose teeth and cavities. Also, childhood fillings have birthdays too. As fillings get older, they can weaken or crack allowing bacteria to seep into your tooth causing more decay.  Regular check-ups give your dentist a chance to check your fillings and replace them as needed. 

Another dental issue affecting seniors is temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. For the elderly, the development of TMJ is not uncommon. As degeneration and loss of cartilage occur due to the normal process of aging, the jaw can shift and play havoc on a senior's bite.  If you hear popping or clicking sounds when moving your jaw, a dentist with training and experience in TMJ disorders can help alleviate a host of problems arising from this condition. 

Senior dental problems can also be caused or exacerbated by medications.  Older adults are likely to take medications that can impact oral health and affect dental treatment. There are literally hundreds of common medications - including antihistamines, diuretics, painkillers, high blood pressure medications and antidepressants – that can cause dental health side effects.  These include dry mouth, soft tissue changes, taste changes, and gingival overgrowth.  It is important to let your dentist know what medications you are taking even if you think they have nothing to do with your teeth.

Dry mouth is a common, and often overlooked, source of dental problems with seniors. Saliva was not made for licking envelopes.  It is our body’s natural rinse to keep bacteria and food washed away from teeth and gums. An underproduction of saliva leaves you more susceptible to tooth decay and periodontal disease.  Dry mouth can cause sore throat, problems with speaking, difficulty swallowing and hoarseness. Your dentist can recommend various methods to restore moisture, including sugarless gum, oral rinses or artificial saliva products.

Another mouth problem found disproportionately among seniors is oral thrush, a fungal infection of the mouth.  We often think of thrush as only affecting newborns.  However, older adults and people with weakened immune systems can also be affected especially those with dentures, diabetes, dry mouth, undergoing chemotherapy, or on steroid medication. Thrush can make the mouth so sensitive it is impossible to perform regular oral hygiene.  If you have lesions and sensitivity in your mouth, your dentist can readily diagnose and treat this condition.

For seniors with arthritis or a medical condition that limits manual dexterity, brushing and flossing is often easier said than done.  There are various ways to make brushing easier that your dentist may recommend, from elongating your toothbrush with a tongue depressor to rigging a tennis ball at the end of your toothbrush for a better grip.  Even using a soft washcloth or gauze as well as frequent rinsing helps.  If need be, a family member or friend should assist you.  Don’t be embarrassed to ask for help. Helping someone preserve their teeth, in the words of Cervantes, is the equivalent of giving a gift of diamonds.

Above all, seniors need to recognize the signs and signals when their mouth, teeth, or gums are crying out for dental treatment.  They include tooth sensitivity, teeth grinding, pain, mouth sores, bumps, swelling, loose teeth, jaw popping or clicking, and the symptoms associated with dry mouth – difficulty quenching thirst, swallowing, and chewing.  Good dental care requires good nutrition, daily oral hygiene, regular dental checkups, maintaining dental appliances such as dentures and dental bridges, and telling your dentist about any medications you are taking or changes to medication.  These are the keys that will keep you smiling in your golden years!

Monmouth-Ocean County Dental Society, First Female President,
Monmouth Medical Center, Attending Dental Dept., Teaching Staff
Honored by Monmouth Medical Center for 25 Years of Service
Member NJ Dental Association

We participate with: Aetna PPO, Delta Premier Provider, Horizon Traditional, MetLife Dental, Dental Save (formerly Northeast-Southeast Dental Plan.) We will submit for all insurance claims.

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