Maintaining Your Smile for a Lifetime

Senior citizens, the fastest growing portion of the U.S. population, are keeping their teeth longer than prior generations and have many special dental needs.  As I mentioned last week though, it's a common myth that senior citizens are destined to lose their teeth.  There is no reason seniors cannot keep their teeth for a lifetime since tooth loss is simply the result of an oral disease--not the aging process.  I had to laugh this past week when a dear “senior citizen” friend of mine from church who is also a patient said she had been in the hospital and three different people asked her if she needed a denture cup.  Funny part about it is that she has all of her own natural teeth!  Just because she has a lot of experience in years they automatically assumed she had dentures and needed a denture cup!  We both had a good laugh about that one. 

As the population ages, the dental needs of the individual over 65 become increasingly specialized; each individual has different medical problems and take different prescriptions which can adversely interact with dental anesthesia. Dental patients, especially the elderly, need to keep their dentist informed of any changes or updates in their medical history to help prevent potentially harmful drug interactions or health conditions.  All of that said - proper oral care can keep you smiling well into retirement. Brushing at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristle brush are as important as ever. Flossing can help you save your teeth by removing plaque between teeth and below the gum line that your toothbrush cannot reach, but there are some special concerns you should look for as you age. 

What are some problems I should watch for?
Most people don't realize how important it is to take care of their gums. Gingivitis is caused by the bacteria found in plaque that attack the gums. Symptoms of gingivitis include red, swollen gums and possible bleeding when you brush. If you have any of these symptoms, see a dentist at once. Gingivitis can lead to gum disease if problems persist. Three out of four adults over age 35 are affected by some sort of gum (periodontal) disease. In gum disease, the infection becomes severe. Your gums begin to recede, pulling back from the teeth. In the worst cases, bacteria form pockets between the teeth and gums, weakening the bone. All this can lead to tooth loss if untreated.

What if it's too difficult to brush?
Sometimes as we age, it can become difficult to brush and floss for good oral health care and prevention of disease. Ask your dentist for ways to overcome this problem. There are numerous dental products designed to make dental care easier for those who physically may have some difficulty keeping their teeth clean.

What are the signs of oral cancer?
Oral cancer most often occurs in people over 40 years of age. See a dentist immediately if you notice any red or white patches on your gums or tongue, and watch for sores that fail to heal within two weeks. Unfortunately, oral cancer is often difficult to detect in its early stages, when it can be cured easily. Your dentist can perform a head and neck exam to screen for signs of cancer. Since oral cancer is often painless in its early stages, many patients will not notice the signs until it is too late. In addition, many older people, especially those who wear dentures, do not visit their dentists enough and problems go unseen.

Should I be concerned about dry mouth?
Dry mouth (xerostomia) happens when salivary glands fail to work due to disease, certain medications or cancer treatment. This can make it hard to eat, swallow, taste and speak. In certain cases, such as radiation therapy, dry mouth can lead to severe complications, which is why it is important you see a dentist immediately before beginning any form of cancer treatment. Drinking lots of water and avoiding sweets, tobacco, alcohol and caffeine are some ways to fight dry mouth. Your dentist can also provide a variety of products to fight severe dry mouth.  A dry mouth is more prone to the ravages of decay and periodontal disease.

Maintaining your overall health
Studies have shown that maintaining a healthy mouth may keep your body healthier and help you avoid diabetes, heart disease and stroke. As always, prevention is the best medicine.

Remember, you’re never too old to have a healthy happy smile.  Have a great week and if you have any questions email me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .