Dental Health for Seniors

(This article by Dr. Erin Murphy, Family Dentist at Keystone Dental Care,  first appeared in the July 26 Public Opinion Newspaper. Click here to read it on www.publicopiniononline.com)

As we age, we can experience many changes in our health, including our oral health. Taking extra steps to protect our teeth is important not just for a healthy smile but also for our overall well-being.  Here are some of the most common oral health problems we can experience as we age and treatment options to consider.

There are two types of gum disease: gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is inflammation of the gum tissue cause by plaque and tartar that stick to teeth. Periodontal disease is untreated gingivitis that  stimulates a chronic inflammatory response, destroying the gum tissue and bone supporting your teeth.  If left untreated, it leads to tooth movement and eventual tooth loss. Prevention includes visiting your dentist every six months, proper and regular brushing, and using dental floss.

Root caries, or cavities, affect the roots of teeth and gum recession can make cleaning teeth more difficult. To prevent root decay and keep teeth clean from bacteria, proper brushing is essential. Place your tooth brush at a 45 degree angle to the tooth and make certain the bristles are at the gum line. Research shows this technique is more effective at removing plaque than other methods of tooth

 brushing. Fluoride is also very important in preventing root caries. Your dentist can customize your fluoride treatment plan by prescribing prescription strength toothpaste, mouthwash or gel depending on your needs. Prevent cavities on all areas of the tooth by avoiding food and beverages high in sugar and acid. Examples of such food items are hard or sticky candies, dried fruit, and beverages like soda (regular, diet or caffeine-free), sports drinks, sweet tea, and juice. These should only be consumed with your meals and not sipped on throughout the day.

Dry mouth is not a normal part of aging and can be very uncomfortable for the individual suffering with it. Saliva is important in swallowing and digesting food, preventing tooth decay, and controlling bacteria and fungi in your mouth. With decreased saliva, you can be left with problems chewing, swallowing, speaking, and tasting. Cancer treatments, auto immune disorders, and diabetes are common culprits. However, the most common contributor to dry mouth is medication. More than 400 medications can

 cause dry mouth. Treating dry mouth can be as simple as changing a medication. Your dentist may suggest using over the

 counter products such as Biotene or chewing sugar free gum to increase saliva. If your salivary glands function but just don’t produce enough saliva, your physician or dentist can prescribe medication that can help the glands work better. A person suffering from dry mouth should sip on water often and avoid caffeine, alcohol, tobacco, and salty foods. Having dry mouth increases your risk of tooth decay, so a personalized fluoride regimen will most likely be provided by your dentist.

For those older patients who are frustrated and living in discomfort, it’s important to see your dentist regularly to address any problems. Although access to care can be challenging, many dentists take Medicaid and offer reduced fees or payment plans for service. In Franklin County, there is transportation available for those age 60 and older for medical appointments, including dental visits. For more information on getting a ride, call 717-264-5225.