Addressing the Needs of Older Adults Who Need Senior Dental Care

Unique Dental Needs of Seniors

Senior adults face distinct dental challenges due to natural changes in their oral health. Our expert dental care team can help you stay ahead of the game with the right regimen of home care and regular checkups.

Receding Gums

Gums may recede with age, exposing the roots of teeth and increasing sensitivity. This process creates opportunities for plaque and bacteria to gather near the gumline, elevating the risk of gum disease. An outstanding oral hygiene routine, coupled with regular checkups at the dentist, can help catch any issues before they become major problems.

Dry Mouth

Dry mouth may become more prevalent in later years, and it can affect oral health. Saliva plays a crucial role in protecting teeth and neutralizing acids. Certain prescription medications, common among older adults, may reduce saliva production, leaving teeth more vulnerable to decay. 

Seniors can combat this problem by drinking more water, chewing sugar-free gum, or using artificial saliva products recommended by a dentist. This is why it’s vitally important to tell your dental care team. 

Tooth Loss

Older adults also face challenges related to tooth loss. Tooth decay in adults aged 65 or older happens in a large majority of patients. Decay can lead to tooth loss. Missing teeth not only affect appearance but also impact chewing and speech. 

Many seniors turn to dentures or implants to restore not only their smiles but also their bite, chewing, speech, and confidence. Properly fitted dental appliances improve quality of life while preventing further complications, such as bone loss in the jaw. Regular dental visits will make sure partials, dentures, and implants remain functional over time.

Root Decay

Root decay occurs more often in senior adults due to receding gums and thinning enamel. The roots of teeth lack the protective enamel that crowns have, making them particularly susceptible to damage from sugary or acidic foods. 

Seniors benefit from fluoride treatments, prescription-strength toothpaste, and dietary changes that promote stronger teeth and reduced decay. Having a treatment for receding gums might also be the right course of action.

Oral Cancer

Oral cancer risk increases with age, and it most commonly happens in people over the age of 40. Our dental care team is highly trained to perform oral cancer screenings to detect this problem early. 

Your dentists will look for potential warning signs, such as sores or unusual growths when looking at the soft tissues of the mouth. We’ll also make sure you understand the other risk factors of oral cancer to guide decisions about your health care.

Good Oral Hygiene Practices Can Help

Proactive measures help seniors maintain healthy teeth and gums with a great oral hygiene routine. Daily brushing and flossing, along with rinsing, can reduce the number of bacteria in your mouth. Professional cleanings during regular checkups also help create a strong oral hygiene regimen.  Professional cleanings are important because a dentist can remove stubborn plaque from your teeth.

Nutritious foods that are low in sugar and high in calcium support strong teeth and healthy gums. Milk, cheese, and yogurt, coupled with green leafy vegetables, fresh fruits, and lean protein, can help make your teeth stronger.

If you have any questions about your diet and oral hygiene routine, talk to your dentist. We’ll be happy to help!

Dental Issues That Seniors Face

Some dental issues that seniors face may not start with their mouths or teeth. That’s why it’s important for your dental provider to know about your complete medical history, including any medications you regularly take, when assessing your dental care needs.

Limited Mobility

Mobility or dexterity issues can make maintaining oral hygiene more difficult. Arthritis of the hands and other physical limitations may impact someone’s ability to brush and floss effectively. Electric toothbrushes, floss picks, water flossers, and interdental brushes can help you get a complete clean despite aching hands. 

We might also recommend more frequent dental appointments for professional cleanings. While aging presents new challenges for many, using the latest technologies and techniques can help you maintain excellent oral hygiene.

Changing Nutritional Needs

The changing nutritional needs of seniors can significantly impact their dental health. As people age, their bodies often require more calcium, vitamin D, and other nutrients to maintain strong bones and teeth. However, dietary changes due to reduced appetite, difficulty chewing, or medical conditions may result in nutrient deficiencies. 

Insufficient calcium and vitamin D intake weakens teeth and increases the risk of periodontal disease and tooth loss. Additionally, a diet high in soft or processed foods, often chosen for ease of chewing, can promote decay due to higher sugar content and lower fiber levels. 

Consider nutrient-dense, tooth-friendly foods like dairy, leafy greens, and lean proteins to support both oral and overall health if you’re over the age of 65.

Prescription Medications That Can Affect Teeth

Certain prescription medications that seniors may take can alter oral health in several ways. Please let your dentist know what prescription medications you take, if any, and if your medications have changed since the last time you saw your dentist.

We know this list may sound a bit frightening, but we can work with your medical team to give you the best possible dental care! 

Blood Pressure Medications

Calcium channel blockers (e.g., amlodipine) can cause gum overgrowth, known as gingival hyperplasia, making oral hygiene more challenging and increasing the risk of gum disease.

Diuretics

Often prescribed for high blood pressure or heart conditions, diuretics can reduce saliva flow, leading to dry mouth and subsequent oral health problems.

Anticoagulants

Blood thinners like warfarin or aspirin may increase the risk of prolonged bleeding during dental procedures or exacerbate gum bleeding.

Osteoporosis Medications

Bisphosphonates, used to treat osteoporosis, carry a risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ), especially after a tooth extraction.

Chemotherapy Drugs

These medications can weaken the immune system, leading to oral side effects such as mouth sores, infections, and dry mouth.

Immunosuppressants

Commonly used after organ transplants, these drugs can increase the risk of fungal infections like oral thrush and gum disease.

Antibiotics

Some antibiotics can disrupt the balance of bacteria in the mouth, which can cause oral thrush. These are white patches on the tongue and inner cheeks. 

Medications for Parkinson’s Disease

Drugs such as levodopa can cause excessive teeth grinding (bruxism) or dry mouth, leading to enamel wear and an increased risk of tooth decay.

Better-Fitting Dentures

Seniors may encounter difficulties with ill-fitting dental dentures. These issues contribute to discomfort, reduced chewing efficiency, and possibly slurred speech. Routine evaluations allow dentists to address these concerns and make necessary adjustments. Our dentists can also suggest alternatives, such as dental implants or implant-supported dentures, so long as your jaw has enough bone density.

Worn Restorations

Restored teeth, such as fillings and crowns, may face wear and tear over time. If any of these restorations fail, older adults may face challenges with tooth decay as well as cracked or broken teeth caused by years of chewing forces. Our dentists can address these concerns with updated restorations that restore function and aesthetics.

Dentures

Dentures play a significant role in restoring function to the teeth and a confident smile for many senior adults. They provide a reliable solution for missing teeth, enabling people to chew food, speak clearly, and maintain facial structure. Properly fitted dentures also enhance smiles and improve self-esteem, which can improve mood and overall health.

Partial Dentures

Partial dentures offer a solution for people who still retain some natural teeth. These removable appliances fill gaps left by missing teeth and attach to existing teeth using metal clasps or precision attachments. Partial dentures prevent surrounding teeth from shifting out of alignment while restoring your bite. Seniors with partials experience improved chewing and speech without the need for invasive procedures.

Full Dentures

Traditional dentures, crafted from acrylic or resin, replace all missing teeth in the upper or lower jaw. These full dentures rely on suction or adhesive to stay in place. Our patients can benefit from dentures when significant tooth loss occurs, but challenges such as discomfort, slipping, or difficulty adapting can happen. 

Regular adjustments and relining improve the fit and minimize irritation, ensuring a more comfortable experience. However, there is a better option if you have enough bone density in your jaw.

Implant-Supported Dentures

Implant-supported dentures have transformed tooth replacement options for seniors by providing greater stability and durability. Dental implants, surgically placed into the jawbone, anchor the dentures securely in place. It can eliminate slipping, which causes irritation and discomfort. 

Unlike traditional full dentures, implant-supported dentures do not rely on adhesives or suction. Patients often say they have improved comfort and chewing versus traditional dentures, making it a great option if you’re a good candidate for implant-supported dentures.

For those considering implant-supported dentures, the right jawbone density is needed to support the implants for long-term success. If the jaw doesn’t have enough bone density, there are options.

Maintaining Your Dentures

Maintenance can help traditional and implant-supported dentures last longer. Clean them daily with non-abrasive cleaners to prevent plaque buildup and bacterial growth, just as you would with natural teeth. Consider an antibacterial mouthwash to kill any plaque-causing germs. You won’t need to floss with dentures, though. Regular dental visits ensure proper hygiene, assess fit, and identify potential issues early.

Which Dentures Are Right for You?

Choosing the right type of denture depends on individual needs and your lifestyle. Your dentist will guide you through the decision-making process, considering factors such as oral health, bone density, and personal preferences. Investing in high-quality dentures and following proper care routines can help patients have improved quality of life, enhanced confidence, and better oral health overall.

Tooth Decay

Tooth decay poses a significant challenge for senior adults. Changes in the mouth, such as receding gums, expose the roots of teeth and make them more vulnerable to decay. Dry mouth, frequently caused by medications, reduces saliva production, further increasing the risk. Tooth decay can lead to pain, infection, and eventual tooth loss, making preventive care essential for seniors. There are ways to restore your bite even after someone loses a tooth.

Dental Bridges

Dental bridges provide a reliable option if you have tooth loss caused by decay. These dental appliances replace missing teeth by anchoring artificial teeth to adjacent natural teeth or implants. For instance, if you need a single tooth replaced, the dental bridge might be anchored to two adjacent teeth through specialized metal brackets.

Bridges restore chewing function, improve speech, and prevent surrounding teeth from shifting into empty spaces. Dentists customize bridges to fit comfortably, giving you a natural appearance and long-term functionality. Proper oral hygiene and regular dental checkups help maintain the bridge and detect potential issues early.

Dental Crowns

Dental crowns serve as another effective solution for seniors managing tooth decay before a tooth is extracted. When decay damages a significant portion of a tooth, a crown covers and protects the remaining structure, restoring strength and appearance.  

Dentists create crowns from sturdy, tooth-like materials such as porcelain or ceramic, offering durability and aesthetic appeal. Your dentist will clean the decayed tooth, remove any infected areas, and strengthen the healthiest part of the tooth that remains before properly securing the custom-made crown on top of it. 

Proper care, including daily brushing and flossing, can help a dental crown last for many years, allowing seniors to enjoy restored dental function.

Dental Implants 

Dental implants provide a permanent option for seniors dealing with tooth loss due to severe decay. Implants consist of two components. A titanium post, surgically placed in the jawbone, serves as an artificial root for the replacement tooth. Then, attached to that titanium post is an artificial tooth or even dentures. Unlike other options, dental implants stimulate the jawbone, preventing bone loss and preserving facial structure. 

Preventative Dental Care and Oral Hygiene

Preventive dental care and daily oral hygiene play a crucial role in reducing the risk of tooth decay for senior adults. Daily brushing with fluoride toothpaste and flossing help remove plaque and maintain oral hygiene. Rinsing with mouthwash can also play a role in a cleaner mouth by killing bacteria.

Seniors can also benefit from professional fluoride treatments, which strengthen enamel and protect against decay. Regular dental cleanings and exams give your dentist a chance to see if there are any issues that could lead to more pressing problems later.

Nutrition for Better Teeth

Dietary changes and better nutrition support healthier teeth in seniors. Reducing sugar intake minimizes the risk of tooth decay while consuming foods rich in calcium and vitamin D strengthens teeth. Seniors should stay hydrated to combat dry mouth and encourage saliva flow, which helps wash away food particles and neutralize acids. Fresh fruits and vegetables can help naturally wash away bacteria.

Gum Disease

Your dentist will examine your mouth for gum disease during a comprehensive exam. Gum disease affects many senior adults and can cause serious issues if left untreated. This condition, also called periodontal disease, develops when plaque accumulates on teeth and hardens into tartar. 

Without proper cleaning, bacteria in the plaque irritate the gums, leading to inflammation and infection. Seniors may be more at risk due to age-related changes, medications, or health conditions like diabetes.

How Your Dentist Diagnoses Gum Disease

Dentists identify gum disease through a thorough examination of the gums and teeth. Your dentist checks for signs such as redness, swelling, and bleeding in the gums. A special tool called a periodontal probe measures the depth of pockets between the gums and teeth. 

Deeper pockets often indicate advanced stages of gum disease. X-rays may also reveal bone loss caused by an otherwise unseen infection beneath the gums. These evaluations allow dentists to assess the condition and determine the appropriate treatment plan.

How Gum Disease Can Progress

Gum disease progresses in stages, starting with gingivitis, which involves mild inflammation and bleeding of the gums. At this stage, treatment focuses on reversing the damage with professional cleanings and improved oral hygiene at home. 

If left untreated, gingivitis advances to periodontitis, where the infection affects deeper tissues and the jawbone. This stage is when patients should seek timely care from a dentist to avoid further complications, including tooth loss.

Treatment for Gum Disease

Treatment for gum disease depends on its severity. For mild cases, professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar, allowing gums to heal on their own. Scaling and root planing, a deep-cleaning procedure, eliminates bacteria from beneath the gumline and smooths tooth roots, encouraging the gums to reattach, grow, and protect the roots. These treatments provide effective solutions when gum disease is caught early.

Advanced cases of gum disease may require surgical intervention. Flap surgery, for instance, lifts the gums to remove tartar and repair damaged tissue. Restorative treatments can promote stability. Dentists may also recommend guided tissue regeneration, which encourages the regrowth of lost bone and tissue. These procedures offer long-term solutions for severe periodontal disease.

As always, prevention is often the best way to keep gum disease at bay. Regular brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash can improve your dental health in several areas.

Tips for Maintaining Oral Health in Your Golden Years

Maintaining oral health becomes increasingly important for seniors as they age. We recommend a few extra things to help you maintain a beautiful smile in your golden years.

Stay Hydrated

Use a humidifier at night to alleviate dry mouth. Having too little saliva in your mouth increases the risk of cavities and gum disease. Running a humidifier while sleeping helps maintain moisture in the air, reducing dryness in the mouth and throat. 

Make sure to drink plenty of water during the day. If mobility or arthritis is an issue, keep a large, handled plastic cup next to you throughout the day. Take one sip of water every 15 minutes rather than taking large gulps to stay hydrated. If you’re outside or engaging in physical activity, increase your water intake before, during, and after your activity.

Electric Toothbrush and Floss Picks

Switch to an electric toothbrush and floss picks to help with manual dexterity if you have mobility issues or arthritis in your hands. An electric toothbrush creates consistent brushing motions and reaches areas that manual toothbrushes may miss. 

Some models include pressure sensors that prevent overbrushing, protecting enamel and gums from unnecessary wear. Seniors who invest in an electric toothbrush often find it easier to maintain proper oral hygiene.

Floss picks have plastic handles that are easier to grip compared to traditional dental floss. You can also use interdental brushes that clean between teeth.

Oral Hygiene Routine

Clean your tongue as part of a daily oral hygiene routine. Using a tongue scraper or the back of a toothbrush effectively removes debris and bacteria from the tongue’s surface. This practice freshens your breath but also reduces the risk of plaque accumulation and gum irritation. 

Add mouthwash to your oral hygiene routine. Antibacterial mouthwash after flossing and brushing can kill any remaining germs that cause plaque or swelling in the gums. Look for an ADA-accepted mouthwash designed for killing germs, sometimes called antiseptic mouthwash. 

Dental Checkups

Schedule more frequent professional cleanings to address the increased risk of plaque buildup and gum disease in seniors. While biannual visits suit many younger adults, consider quarterly cleanings based on your dentist’s recommendations. Dry mouth, a change in medications, and gum disease can become larger problems quickly in seniors. 

Contact your dentist if dentures, bridges, or crowns start to irritate your mouth. Your dentist can make adjustments that will help. Regular assessments prevent complications like sores or bone loss associated with poorly fitting dental appliances. We want you to be as comfortable and confident as possible with your beautiful smile.

Regular Check-Ups With Your Dentist in Springfield, MO

Our dentists can help you maintain great oral hygiene in your golden years. Our doctors have an average of 25 years of expertise and our kind, caring staff will make you comfortable and at ease when you’re at the office.

If you’re ready for your next dental checkup, we’re glad to help. Please call (417) 887-1220 or fill out our contact form to make an appointment.