| Isn’t
tooth loss inevitable in the later years?
No! Today, older adults are keeping their
natural teeth longer because of scientific
developments and the preventive emphasis
in dentistry. This improvement was seen
in the results of a survey released by
the National Institute of Dental and
Craniofacial Research. They showed that
among persons aged 55 to 64, the rate
of toothlessness dropped 60 percent since
1960.
Good oral hygiene and regular dental care
are important throughout your life, whatever
your age. By practicing good oral hygiene
at home and visiting your dentist regularly,
you will prevent dental problems and
save time and money as well. In the process,
you can save your teeth and gums.
At my age, why should I bother with oral
hygiene, such as brushing and flossing?
Thorough daily brushing and flossing of
your natural teeth are essential to keep
them in good condition—especially
as you age. Plaque, the sticky, colorless
layer of bacteria that causes tooth decay
and periodontal (gum) disease,
can build up quickly on the teeth of
older adults, particularly when they
neglect oral hygiene. This can increase
your risk for tooth decay and periodontal
disease.
A few simple steps can help you maintain
good oral health throughout your life.
Brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride
toothpaste, and clean between your teeth
daily with floss or interdental cleaners.
Choose products that carry the ADA Seal
of Acceptance, your assurance that the
products have met the ADA’s standards
for safety and effectiveness. Be sure
to see your dentist regularly for exams
and professional teeth cleaning.
Should adults be concerned about cavities?
Tooth decay is not just a child’s
problem. Adults of all ages can have
cavities, too. The causes for tooth decay
are the same for everyone, regardless
of age. Decay results when the bacteria
in plaque feed on the carbohydrates (sugar) in our diet to produce acids
that can cause cavities.
Yet, the nature of the decay problem does
change somewhat as people grow older.
Adults are more likely to have decay
around older fillings, and because many
adults grew up without the benefits of
fluoride, they may have many more fillings.
Decay of the tooth root is also common
among older adults. Root caries (decay)
occur when the gums recede, exposing
the softer root surface, which decays
more easily than tooth enamel.
Tooth decay is also promoted by dry mouth.
This condition—called xerostomia—occurs when the supply of saliva is greatly
reduced. It can be caused by many types
of medications (such as anti-histamines,
anti-hypertensives, and anti-depressants)
or radiation therapy to the head or neck.
Saliva is needed to lubricate the mouth,
wash foods away and neutralize the acids
produced by plaque. Allowed to continue,
dry mouth can lead to rampant tooth decay.
If you think you have this problem, be
sure to discuss it with your dentist
or physician. They may recommend an artificial
saliva and fluoride products to help
prevent decay.
I understand that periodontal disease is a major
cause of tooth loss in adults, but is
there anything I can do about it?
Gum disease—periodontal disease—often
progresses slowly, without pain, over
a long period of time. This is one
reason why it is common among older adults.
The longer the disease goes undetected
and uncontrolled, the more damage it
causes to gums and other supporting tissues.
Although periodontal disease is caused
by plaque, other factors can increase
the risk or severity of the condition.
These include food left between the teeth,
smoking, smokeless (spit) tobacco use,
badly aligned teeth, ill-fitting bridges
or partial dentures, poor diets and systemic
diseases such as anemia.
Although periodontal disease is common,
it can be controlled or arrested. In
its early stages, it can be reversed.
Treatment of advanced cases may require
surgery. Look for these warning signs
and see your dentist if you notice any
of them: bleeding gums when you brush;
red, tender or swollen gums; gums that
have pulled away from the teeth; pus
between your teeth and gums when the
gums are pressed; loose teeth or teeth
that are moving apart; any change in
your bite; any change in the fit of your
partial dentures; constant bad breath
or bad taste.
My dentures
don’t feel as comfortable
as they once did. Before I see the dentist,
should I try some different products
myself to try to improve them?
Your dentures were made to fit precisely.
If they are cared for properly, they
do not change shape. They can become
loose due to natural changes in the gums
and bone supporting them. As the jawbone
begins to shrink, so do the gums. When
your dentures do not fit properly, see
your dentist as soon as possible so adjustments
can be made. Do not try to change the
fit of your dentures yourself. This can
damage them and make them unrepairable.
This could be a costly experiment! Ill-fitting
dentures repaired at home can irritate
the gums, tongue and cheeks. In emergencies,
denture adhesives can be used to keep
the dentures stable until you see the
dentist. If your denture is loose, have
your dentist check it.
Now that I have full dentures, do I really
need to see the dentist as often as before?
Even if you no longer have your natural
teeth, you should see your dentist regularly
for an oral examination. The dentist
will examine your mouth to check for
any problem with the gum ridges, the
tongue and the joints of the jaw, as
well as screen for oral cancer. For a
variety of reasons, many older adults
are more susceptible to oral diseases,
including oral cancer. About 95 percent
of all cancers are found in people over
age 40. However, many of these cancers
are treatable if detected early. Oral
tissues are also checked for signs of
other diseases that can first manifest
themselves in the mouth.
I find that some foods have become difficult
to chew and swallow. Do I really need
to eat the same amount or variety of
food that I did when I was younger?
Maintaining proper nutrition is important
for everyone, young or old. Many older
adults do not eat balanced diets and
avoid meats, raw vegetables and fresh
fruits because they have trouble chewing
or swallowing. These problems can be
caused by painful teeth, ill-fitting
dentures, dry mouth or changes in facial
muscles. Others find their sense of taste
has changed, sometimes due to a disease
or certain medications. Because of these
and other factors, the diets of older
adults are often lacking in calcium,
protein and other nutrients essential
to dental and overall health. You need
a balanced diet based on the five food
groups—milk and dairy products; breads
and cereals; meats and dried beans; fruits;
vegetables. You may need a multi-vitamin
or mineral supplement, but do not be
your own doctor. Use these supplements
only after discussion with your physician.
I am anxious
about dental visits. I know I should
go, but I can’t. What
can I do?
Anxiety over dental treatment is not unusual.
People of any age can experience it.
Older patients may be less able to cope
with the stress due to certain physical
conditions such as vision or hearing
loss. Communication between you and your
dentist is an important aspect of a comfortable
dental visit. You should share your feelings
with your dentist and the staff. Let
them know that you are anxious so that
they can adjust their treatment and their
pace to meet your needs. Advances in
pain and anxiety control, including many
behavioral therapy techniques borrowed
from psychology, have made dental visits
relatively anxiety- and pain-free.
I am currently taking medication that
my physician prescribed for me. Can this
affect my dental treatment?
When your dentist asks for your medical
history, be sure to provide complete,
up-to-date information on your health.
Inform your dentist if you have experienced
recent hospitalization or surgery, or
if you have recently been ill. Also tell
the dentist the names, doses and frequency
of any medications you are taking—whether prescription or over-the-counter
products—and the name of your physician.
Inform the dentist of any changes in
your health or medications. This information
will help the dentist to select the most
safe and effective method of treatment
for you.
I’ve
heard about implants as an alternative
to dentures. What should
I know about implants?
Dental implants may offer solutions for
patients who cannot function adequately
with conventional dentures. However,
not every patient is a candidate for
implants. The decision can be made only
after a careful examination by your dentist
and discussion of the relative benefits
and risks and what the procedure involves.
Ask your dentist if implants may be an
option for you.
I’ve
heard of some new cosmetic techniques
that can improve smiles. Are
they appropriate for older adults?
Older adults can benefit from many of
the options available today for improving
the look of a smile. Your dentist can
describe and discuss with you the range
of treatments that would be right for
you. Part of older adulthood is the acceptance
of aging and the development of realistic
expectations for appearance. In that
context, dental treatment for older adults
can be a healthy and adaptive way of
maintaining dental health and emotional
well-being. Our teeth and mouth play
a critical role in psychological development
and well-being throughout our lives.
Modern dentistry has expanded esthetic
options for people of all ages. Coupled
with good oral hygiene and regular dental
visits, cosmetic techniques can help
improve the appearance of your smile.
I’m on a limited, fixed income and
can’t really afford regular dental
treatment. Are there any resources available
to help me?
Even if you cannot pay for dental care,
you don’t need to live without
it. Thousands of dentists across the
country assist the elderly on fixed incomes
by offering their services at reduced
fees through dental society-sponsored
assistance programs. The availability
of such aid varies from one community
to another, so call your local dental
society for information about where you
can find the nearest assistance programs
and low-cost dental care locations, such
as public health and dental school clinics.
Other sources of such information are
local social service organizations.
What is dentistry doing to better serve
older adults?
Dentists are experiencing a quiet revolution
in their offices as the number of older
patients increases steadily and their
treatment centers more on natural teeth.
The profession knows that this burgeoning
population group is wearing fewer dentures
and is keeping natural teeth longer.
Also, we know that some patients in this
group require special consideration because
reduced mobility and dexterity may make
daily oral hygiene difficult. In addition,
medical conditions and impairment are
factors that dentists take into account
for certain patients. Sometimes, lack
of awareness about available treatments
and techniques leads older patients to
make false assumptions about their dental
health and tolerate conditions such as
toothaches, bleeding gums and clicking
dentures. Dentists are gaining practical
information on how to effectively manage
the treatment needs of older patients.
Many dental societies have set up access
programs to assist older adults, individuals
with physical or mental disabilities
or indigent persons to receive care.
Dentists are increasingly sensitive to
the special needs of and the importance
of dental health in the older patient.
Older adults are more health conscious
as a group than ever before. Their oral
health is an important part of their
overall health and the dental profession
is committed to providing the treatment
and guidance older adults need to maintain
it.
Why do my teeth seem darker?
One of the changes you may notice as you
grow older is that it's harder to keep
your teeth clean and white. This is because
the sticky, colorless layer of bacteria,
called plaque, can build up faster and
in greater amounts as we age. Changes
in dentin, the bone-like tissue that
is under your enamel, may also cause
your teeth to appear slightly darker.
Why does my mouth feel dry?
Reduced saliva flow that results in a
dry mouth is a common problem among older
adults. It is caused by certain medical
disorders and is often a side effect
of medications such as antihistamines,
decongestants, pain killers and diuretics.
Some of the common problems associated
with dry mouth include a constant sore
throat, burning sensation, problems speaking,
difficulty swallowing, hoarseness or
dry nasal passages. Left untreated, dry
mouth can damage your teeth. Without
adequate saliva to lubricate your mouth,
wash away food, and neutralize the acids
produced by plaque, extensive cavities
can form.
Your dentist can recommend various methods
to restore moisture. Sugar-free candy
or gum stimulates saliva flow, and moisture
can be replaced by using artificial saliva
and oral rinses.
Why am I losing my sense of taste?
You may find that you are losing your
appetite due to a change in your sense
of taste. Several factors can cause this
change. Besides an age-related decrease
in the sense of taste and smell, certain
diseases, medications and dentures can
contribute to a decrease in your sense
of taste.
Please note: The ADA does not provide specific answers
to individual questions about fees, dental problems, conditions, diagnoses,
treatments or proposed treatments, or requests for research. Information about
dental referrals, complaints and a variety of dental procedures may
be found here. You can also refer to our Frequently
Asked Questions page for answers to common questions.
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