Cavities: It’s not just children who get tooth
decay—oral decay is a common disease in people 65 and older. Ninety-two percent
of seniors 65 and older have had dental caries in their permanent teeth,
according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. The
risk for tooth decay increases because many older adults don’t go to the
dentist as often as they used to, thus cavities go undetected and untreated for
longer than they should. Keeping regular appointments is the key to getting cavities treated in a
timely manner.
Difficulty eating: Oral health problems, whether from
missing teeth, cavities, dentures that don’t fit, gum disease, or infection,
can cause difficulty eating and can force people to adjust the quality,
consistency, and balance of their diet.
Dry mouth: Also called xerostomia, dry mouth is a
common issue for a lot of seniors. Our friends at the Oral Cancer Foundation
estimate that 20 percent of elderly people suffer from dry mouth, which means
the reduced flow of saliva (saliva plays a crucial role in preventing tooth
decay). Many seniors are on multiple medications for a variety of chronic
illnesses or conditions. Common medications taken that may cause dry mouth are
decongestants, antihistamines, blood pressure medications, pain pills,
incontinence medications, antidepressants, diuretics, muscle relaxers, and
Parkinson’s disease medications. To help counter this, we suggest drinking lots
of fluids and limiting your intake of caffeine and alcohol. We also encourage
you to check with us during your
next visit if you think your medications are causing your mouth to feel dry.
Gum Disease: Gum (periodontal) disease is an infection
of the gums and surrounding tissues that hold teeth in place. While gum disease
affects people of all ages, it typically becomes worse as people age. In its
early stages, gum disease is painless, and most people have no idea that they have
it. In more advanced cases, however, gum disease can cause sore gums and pain
when chewing.
Gum disease, which can range from simple gum inflammation to
serious disease, is usually caused by poor brushing and flossing habits that
allow dental plaque to build up on the teeth. Plaque that is not removed can
harden and form tartar that brushing simply does not clean. Only a professional
cleaning at our office can remove tartar. The two forms of gum disease are
gingivitis and periodontitis. In gingivitis, the gums become red, swollen, and
can bleed easily; in periodontitis, gums pull away from the teeth and form
spaces that become infected.
Proper brushing, flossing, and visiting our office regularly
can prevent gum disease. Seniors with limited dexterity who have trouble
gripping a toothbrush should ask Dr. Cureton about modifying a handle for easier use or switching to a
battery-powered toothbrush.
