Written by: Jennifer Gorman (*Amsive Digital) | Reviewed by: Shelley Wyant | *MHP partners with Amsive Digital on news content
Dental Care Tips for Seniors
Dental care is important for people of all ages, but it’s especially important for seniors. Some dental issues become more common with age, including gum disease and oral cancer. Read on to learn tips for maintaining oral health for seniors.
What to Expect During a Dental Exam
During a dental checkup, you can expect your dentist to ask questions about your medical history and examine your mouth. They will evaluate your oral health and decide whether or not you need X-rays of your teeth.
As a general rule, adults should visit their dentist once or twice a year. However, some seniors need to go more often.
Oral Health and Overall Health in Seniors
Oral health and overall health are closely linked. Good dental care for seniors helps promote good overall health.
The Connection Between Oral Health and Systemic Diseases
Poor oral health can affect the rest of the body. Inflammation and infection in the mouth have been linked to heart disease and stroke. Oral germs may contribute to the development of lung diseases like pneumonia.
Systemic diseases can also affect your oral health. For example, diabetes seems to increase the risk of gum disease.
Possible Effects of Medications on Oral Health
Some medications can increase the risk of oral health problems. Dry mouth is a common medication side effect, and dry mouth increases the risk of tooth decay. Inhaled medications can cause fungal infections in the mouth. Tell your dentist about any medications you're taking.
Common Dental Problems in Seniors
Some dental health problems become more common with age.
Importance of Prompt Intervention
When faced with a dental problem, it’s crucial to see a dentist right away. Prompt care helps prevent the problem from getting worse, and potentially requiring more expensive treatments.
Tooth Decay and Cavities
Cavities are holes in your tooth that form due to tooth decay. They happen when oral bacteria feed on sugars and starches on your teeth. The bacteria produce acid, which gradually eats away at the tooth. About one in five older adults have an untreated cavity.
Gum Disease
Gum disease is an infection of the tissues around the teeth. It’s caused by plaque, the sticky film of bacteria that builds up naturally on the teeth. Poor oral hygiene increases the risk of gum disease. Like tooth decay, it’s very common: About two in three older adults have gum disease.
Oral Cancer
Oral cancer is cancer that forms on the gums, tongue, throat, or inside of the cheeks. Symptoms can include a sore, lump, or discolored patch in your mouth that does not go away. The risk of developing oral cancer increases with age and is higher for men or people who use tobacco.
Dry Mouth
Dry mouth means you don’t have enough saliva to keep your mouth moist. It’s often a side effect of medications, but it can also be caused by health conditions like diabetes. Overall, 30% of people 65 and older experience dry mouth.
Tooth Loss
Dental problems like gum disease or tooth decay can lead to tooth loss. Today’s seniors are keeping more of their teeth than seniors in the past, but 13% of people between 65 and 74 years old have no remaining teeth. Options for replacing missing teeth include dentures and dental implants.
Daily Dental Care Tips for Seniors
Cleaning your teeth at home helps prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Here’s a look at ways to fine tune your dental care routine.
Effective Brushing and Flossing Methods
Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Take care to brush your teeth on all sides using small circular motions and back-and-forth strokes. Floss between your teeth and along your gum line once per day.
The Importance of Fluoride Toothpaste
Choose toothpastes that contain fluoride, a naturally occurring mineral that helps strengthen tooth enamel and protect your teeth from decay. Older adults who have a higher risk of tooth decay may benefit from more fluoride. Ask your dentist about in-office fluoride treatments.
Best Practices for Denture Care
Dentures need to be cleaned regularly, just like natural teeth. If you wear dentures, brush them every day with a non-abrasive denture-care product (not regular toothpaste). At night, store them in water or a mild denture-cleansing liquid.
Common Dental Treatments for Seniors
Dentists may recommend various treatments to promote dental health for seniors.
Dental Implants and Bridges
Dental implants and bridges are two options for replacing missing teeth. A dental implant is surgically implanted in the jawbone. A bridge is a false tooth that’s held in place by dental crowns.
Dentures
Dentures are an option for seniors who are missing all of their teeth. Dentures rest on top of the gums and can be secured with denture glue. Some types of dentures are held in place by dental implants.
Tooth Whitening and Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic dentistry refers to procedures that improve the look of the teeth. Tooth whitening is a common procedure that aims to lighten the shade of your teeth. Veneers are another example. They’re thin, ceramic shells that are attached to the front of your teeth.
Root Canal and Other Restorative Procedures
Restorative procedures help repair or replace damaged teeth. A common example is a root canal, which is used to treat infections in the innermost layer of the tooth. Other restorative procedures include fillings and crowns to repair cavities or other damage.
Maintaining Oral Health As We Age
Routine dental care for elderly people plays a key role in healthy aging. Poor oral health can contribute to systemic health problems and make it harder to eat a healthy diet.
Emotional and Social Benefits of Good Oral Health
The emotional and social benefits of taking care of your teeth are often overlooked. Research shows that the way a person’s teeth look has a major influence on both their self esteem and how others see them.
Why Is It Important To Have Dental Insurance When You Retire?
Only half of people 65 and older have dental coverage. People who don’t have dental insurance are more likely to report skipping or delaying dental care.
People who are approaching retirement may expect Medicare to cover dental costs, but Original Medicare does not cover most dental services. Most Medicare Advantage plans - including McLaren Medicare - have dental coverage. You can find more information about McLaren Medicare’s plans and services here.
McLaren Health Plan provides quality health insurance solutions for every stage of life, specifically tailored for Michigan residents. From individual coverage to family plans and Medicare, find out which plan is right for you.
View Our Michigan Plan Options