According to calculations made by Human Resources and Skills Development Canada , seniors make up the fastest-growing age group. This trend is expected to continue for the next several decades. By 2051, about one in four Canadians is expected to be 65 or over.
A preventive approach and dental advances will help most Canadians enter their golden years with most or all of their natural teeth intact, which is why it’s important to know how to keep them healthy.
Older adults need to continue to focus on the prevention of tooth decay and gum disease, but there are other oral health complications that may come with aging. Knowledge is the first step in prevention.
Gum disease
Older adults tend to suffer more from periodontal (gum) disease for many reasons: gums tend to recede as you age; gum disease can be exacerbated by some health conditions, such as diabetes; gum disease is often painless and can progress at a slow pace – if left undetected, it can develop into advanced stages by late adulthood. If left untreated, gums can pull away from the teeth, leaving more surface area exposed to bacteria. Bacteria can eventually infect the gum tissue and bone that support the teeth, causing them to become loose or fall out. Gum disease can be treated and even prevented with regular dental visits and good oral health habits.
Dry mouth
Dry mouth, or xerostomia, occurs when the glands that produce saliva do not work properly. Dry mouth can be a symptom of a health condition (diabetes, autoimmune disorders) or a side-effect of certain medications (decongestants, diuretics, sedatives), and cancer treatments.
Saliva helps wash away food from your teeth and neutralizes the acids produced by bacteria in the mouth. Without an adequate flow of saliva, your mouth’s first line of defense against plaque is compromised and can lead to tooth decay.
There are ways to restore moisture in your mouth to combat the impact that dry mouth can have on your teeth and gums.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Use sugar-free gum or lozenges to stimulate the production of saliva.
• Avoid foods and beverages that can contribute to acid erosion in your teeth such as carbonated soft drinks, fruit juices and alcohol.
• Use an over-the-counter oral moisturizer.
• Ask your physician about changing your medication or dosage.
Make sure you inform your dentist of all the medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, you take, as well as vitamins and herbal supplements. Your dentist will take into account all the possible interactions between your medications and your oral health so that any side-effects can be identified and treated accordingly.
According to the article Drugs and your Dentist from the spring/summer of issue of Your Oral Health.ca on www.youroralhealth.ca, there are other things you should tell your dentist about – any family history of disease, allergies, heart conditions or surgeries you’ve had. There are conditions that pose a high risk of infection and an antibiotic may be recommended prior to some dental procedures.
Oral cancer
The Canadian Cancer Society reports that the incidence of oral cancer increases with age; people 40 and older have a higher risk of developing oral cancer. The risk also increases with the amount and length of time a person smokes or chews tobacco. As well, using alcohol and tobacco together increases a person’s risk of developing oral cancer more than using either one alone.
If caught early enough, oral cancer can be treated successfully. Tell your dentist if you smoke or consume alcohol frequently, or if there is a history of cancer in your family. The early signs of oral cancer are difficult to detect without an examination by your dentist. Keep a close eye on any changes in your mouth that last longer than a few weeks, such as sores, lumps, bleeding and pain, and be sure to schedule regular appointments with your dentist.
contact our office to schedule your full exam which includes an Free Oral Cancer Screening.
Difficulty with dexterity
Older adults with arthritis or other health conditions may find holding a toothbrush or flossing to be a challenge. There are alterations you can make to your toothbrush to make it easier to hold – enlarge the handle with layers of tape or a bicycle handle grip. Or invest in an electronic toothbrush if you have problems with fine movements. For flossing, use a plastic floss holder, which is easier to grip and hold than regular dental floss. Talk to your dentist about alternatives that will work for you.
Healthy habits aimed at preventing dental disease in older adults are the same across all age groups – brushing and flossing twice daily, eating a healthy diet and limiting sweets, avoiding risk factors like alcohol and tobacco and regular dental visits. But there are risk factors that come with age that increase the chances of tooth decay and gum disease, and older adults need to be more diligent when it comes to their oral health.
Contact our office to book your appointment for your Full Exam that includes a Free Oral Cancer Screening.
(Article by Dr. Jody Zajacz, a general dentist practising in Toronto)
