Tooth loss is a major problem affecting close to 75 percent of all the seniors above the age of 60 and it grows worse as they age. Teeth, gums and oral care has to be properly maintained if you want them to stay strong in your later years. This can be quite a challenge for seniors because of aging and health conditions making them more vulnerable to frequent tooth falls.
Teeth with a lifetime of chewing, grinding and gnashing all the foods and drinks that we eat undergo wear and tear gradually. When this is combined with the health conditions of older age, maintaining perfect teeth can become hard. These issues result in significant tooth pains, bleeding gums and infections.
Given below are top 4 common dental problems causing tooth falls in seniors to watch out for, plus tips for prevention and management.
Our teeth are amazingly strong enough even to undergo 200 pounds of pressure. Yet, a lifetime of grinding wears them gradually causing tooth decay. Tooth decay in seniors can lead to cavities quickly causing pain which eventually leads to tooth loss. It is caused by the buildup of plaque and improper maintenance of our teeth.
Plaques are caused by continuous exposure to acidic and sugary foods which dissolve the protective enamel of our teeth. A recent study by Harvard titled - The aging mouth, has found that the rate of tooth decay in seniors outpaces that for school children.
Prevention here is the best approach. The nerves at the tooth's core loss sensitivity with age and hence tooth decay can be well advanced before the pain begins. Visit your dentist regularly and watch the condition of your teeth in the mirror weekly. Use a recognized fluoride toothpaste, reduce the intake of sugary and acidic foods, floss daily.
Smoking is a major cause of gum recessions in adults. The other reasons include genetics, brushing too hard and poor dental care. The symptoms include gap between gums and teeth, bleeding gums and sensitivity to hot or cold foods.
Luckily, Gum recessions can be easily prevented through proper dental care which includes bruising twice and flossing daily. It is advisable to visit a dentist if you have repeated gum issues
Seniors experience decreased saliva production as they age which is a common syndrome known as dry mouth or xerostomia. Multiple medications too have a detrimental effect on oral health. Side effects of many senior medications is dry mouth. Dry mouth makes eating and swallowing hard also causing bad breath in seniors.
Having dry mouth increases the risk of gum disease and tooth decay significantly. Cavities easily form within weeks after dry mouth begins. These negative consequences of dry mouth can be combated through keeping the mouth well hydrated. Chewing gums or lozenges stimulates saliva production which prevents dry mouth. Floss regularly if you have dry mouth to prevent cavity formation
Seniors who smoke or drink alcohol frequently are at higher risk of oral cancer. The risk of developing oral cancer increases with age. Oral cancers are hard to detect in early stages and cause no pain. Early identification of Oral cancer could easily save a life, that’s why regular visits to the dentists are encouraged.
The symptoms of oral cancer are easily missed and are mostly subtle. The most common is a red or white patch anywhere on your mouth which lasts longer than two weeks. The lips are the most common place for oral cavity cancer in seniors and men are more likely to be affected than women. Avoid tobacco and alcohols to be on a safer side from oral cancer.
Tips for healthy teeth in seniors
Taking proper care of your oral health can save you from a lot of tooth aches and dentist visits as you age. Make sure to follow the given tips for healthier teeth as you age.
Brush and Floss Daily - Might sound repeated, but what is bathing to the body is bruising to the teeth. 90% of oral problems can easily be prevented through bruising twice and flossing each day.
Look for changes in mouth - It is important to watch how your teeth are doing at least once a week in front of the mirror. If you see a rapid change it is essential to get it checked with a dentist to make sure if it's normal.
Have regular dentist visits/consultations.
Avoid teeth unfriendly foods - Sugary and acidic foods cause the most damage to our teeth. As a senior avoid taking in these kinds of food and replace them with calcium rich foods. Stay away from cigarettes and tobacco for better oral hygiene.
Author: Team 60plus India
Keywords used : Teeth, Tooth falls for seniors, tooth decay, gum recession, dry mouth, oral cancer, brushing, flossing, healthy teeth tips for seniors, dentists, 60Plus India.
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