Did you know that May is Older Americans Month (OAM) in the U.S.? In 1963, then President John F. Kennedy designated May as Senior Citizens Month as a reminder to focus on the livelihood and well-being of our older population. To recognize this month, we’d like to take some time to share oral health tips for seniors.
Oral Health Tips for Seniors
Common Dental Issues in Older Americans
Many common dental health issues in seniors stem from medications and age-related changes to our oral health. Here’s a look at some common problems we see—if these issues are left untreated, they can often lead to tooth or jaw pain, infection, or tooth loss.
Dry Mouth and Tooth Decay
Tooth decay is common among older adults. This is because as we get older, we see decreased saliva production which often causes dry mouth (xerostomia). Seniors are also more likely to take certain medications for high blood pressure, depression, or allergies that cause dry mouth as a side effect.
Dry mouth can lead to cavities as you have less saliva to wash away food particles and bacteria, which will in turn often cause tooth decay.
To prevent dry mouth, it’s important to stay hydrated. Drink lots of water, and eat water-dense foods like strawberries, watermelon, cucumbers, and lettuce. Chewing sugar-free gum can also stimulate saliva production.
Gum Disease
About 2/3 of adults over the age of 65 suffer from gum disease, otherwise known as periodontal disease. Common symptoms include bleeding, receding gums, loose teeth, and bad breath. This is caused by poor oral hygiene, underlying diseases such as diabetes, and plaque build-up. It can also lead to heart disease, as the bacteria from periodontal disease can enter your bloodstream and inflame the arteries, which can cause strokes and heart attacks.
To prevent gum disease, it’s important that you regularly go to your dental cleanings as your dentist will keep an eye out for any of these symptoms before they need serious attention.
Denture Care
Many senior adults have dentures, which need daily care to prevent odor, infection, and irritation. To take care of your dentures properly, you’ll want to practice the following:
- Rinse dentures after eating
- Brush your dentures with a soft-bristled brush to help remove build-up
- Soak dentures in a denture cleaner overnight to get rid of unwanted bacteria
- Have your dentist check fit and comfort each year to avoid mouth sores
- Clean your mouth before replacing your dentures
If you find that you’re having any pain with your dentures, it’s important to have a dentist check the fit for you. We don’t want them to be painful!
Mouth-Friendly Foods
If you find that your mouth or dentures are causing you pain, you may be more inclined to eat softer foods. Unfortunately, many softer foods aren’t the healthiest–they can be higher in sugar and lead to oral health problems mentioned above. To make sure you stay healthy, regularly include dairy products, vegetables, lean proteins, and water in your diet.
Celebrating Senior Smiles
Oral health is important to maintain as we age. Whether you are a senior or caring for a loved one, these oral health tips for seniors will help older Americans stay happy and healthy. It’s worth the time and effort to take care of our seniors’ smiles!
Need a Dental Check-Up in Bloomington, MN or St. Louis Park, MN?
At Krengel Dental, we’re not your average dentist. We do everything we can to help your smile shine. If you’re looking for the best dentist for seniors in St. Louis Park, MN, we would love to help you. Not in St. Louis Park, MN but live nearby? Be sure to check out our Bloomington location. Visit our contact page to book an appointment with us.
