Just when you think you know all you need to know about your health, another birthday passes and your body changes. Senior patients, those age 65 and older, are more likely to experience certain oral health challenges than are younger patients.
In today’s blog, we’ll discuss how restorative dentistry with Dr. Julie Glud of Dental Care of Lombard can return your mouth to excellent health, regardless of your age. Our team is always happy to explain treatment options and best home hygiene practices, so at your appointment, ask questions. The better you understand your mouth, the better equipped you’ll be to take care of your oral health.
Top 5 Dental Issues for Seniors
Some of the most common issues we see in patients over 65 include:
- Gum Disease/Periodontitis
- Failing Dental Restorations and Prosthetics
- Dry Mouth
- Tooth Loss
- Teeth Crowding
Let’s learn more about each of these conditions.
Gum Disease/Periodontitis
Two of every three seniors have gum disease, and it’s the primary cause of tooth loss in adults. Dry mouth, poor oral hygiene, certain medications, tobacco use, and heavy alcohol use increase the risk of developing gum disease. And gum disease increases the risk of developing serious health issues such as:
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Diabetes complications
- Respiratory problems
If you notice that your gums feel tender or sore; if they look red or swollen; if your breath smells bad, even after brushing and flossing; if your toothbrush has blood on it after brushing, you might have developed gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease.
Gum disease begins when hardened plaque, which we call calculus or tartar, builds up at the gum line and irritates gum tissue. In the dark, warm environment of your mouth, bacteria rapidly reproduce, further irritating and now infecting your gums.
As the bacteria break down connective tissues that secure gums to teeth, they probe deeper, building up on rough areas of teeth roots where they cannot be removed, except by a dental hygienist or dentist.
When gum disease progresses, gingivitis can advance to periodontitis. Without professional periodontal treatment, patients may experience acute pain, tooth loss, and death of affected gum and bone tissues.
Treatment for gingivitis involves a deep dental cleaning, which has two components. First, teeth are scaled to remove calculus from below the gum line. Next, teeth roots are smoothed to reduce the potential for bacteria accumulation.
Periodontitis may require the expertise of a periodontist for surgical removal of dead tissues. After surgery, as the gums heal and regenerate, connective tissues regrow and teeth become solidly supported by healthy gum tissue.
Failing Dental Restorations and Prosthetics
Restorative dentistry improves the strength, durability, and function of damaged teeth. Prosthetics, including bridges, partials, and dentures, replace lost teeth. Dental restorations and prosthetics are not designed to last indefinitely.
Your mouth is an extreme environment, and your natural teeth, restored teeth, and prosthetics are subjected to not only bacteria, acids, and fluctuating temperatures, but also to crushing pressure when you chew. Here’s how long dental restorations and prosthetics are intended to last:
- Metal/amalgam fillings: 15 years
- Composite/white fillings and composite bonding/veneers: 5-7 years
- Metal or ceramic crowns: 15-30 years
- Zirconia crowns: decades to lifetime
- Bridges: 5-10 years
- Dentures: 7-10 years
If you notice that a filling, crown, or bridge feels loose; if a restored tooth feels sore or painful; if your dentures no longer feel comfortable, talk with your restorative dentist about getting new restorations and prosthetics. Living with failing, faulty restorations or prosthetics can cause more complex and costly issues, so don’t delay in seeking restorative dentistry.
Dry Mouth
Over 500 medications cause dry mouth, and people over 65 often take multiple daily medications. The problem is, a dry mouth is prone to increased risk of:
- Gum disease
- Cavities/tooth decay
- Plaque and tartar accumulation
- Mouth sores
- Thrush, an oral yeast infection
- Oral discomfort
- Difficulty speaking/pronouncing words
To deter dry mouth, use an over-the-counter saliva substitute. They come in a gel, spray, toothpaste, or mouth rinse. You can also chew sugar-free gum and drink plenty of water to promote natural saliva production.
Tooth Loss
Fact: People over age 65 have an average of 20.7 of their original 32 teeth left.
More people than ever before are retaining natural teeth throughout their lifetime. However, seniors are more likely to experience tooth loss than are younger people because:
- Teeth age and wear just like bones do
- Dry mouth (caused by medications) increases risk of cavities
- As old restorations are replaced, natural tooth structure is reduced
- Gum disease risk increases as we age (main cause of adult tooth loss)
- Teeth become harder to care for as we age (due to crowding, as well as physical limitations)
Fact: 1 in 5 seniors have lost all of their natural teeth.
If you need replacement teeth, ask Dr. Glud about restorative dentistry and prosthetics.
Teeth Crowding
As we age, the jawbone loses density. It actually reduces in size, and teeth must shift to accommodate the change in jaw shape. Lower teeth in particular are subject to crowding in older patients.
Overlapping teeth are more difficult to clean. Floss sticks and pulls. Food and plaque lodge in hidden crevices. As a result, the potential for tooth decay and gum disease increase.
To maintain great oral health in crowded teeth, you must maintain a strict dental hygiene regimen. Brush twice and floss at least once daily.
Trouble brushing? Use an electric toothbrush.
Trouble flossing?
Try pre-threaded, disposable flossers if managing traditional floss seems cumbersome. Also use fluoridated toothpaste and mouthwash, and use a tongue scraper to remove excess plaque.
You cannot neglect dental visits twice a year for checkups and cleanings, and whenever you experience an abnormality. For instance, a loose tooth, toothache, or sore gums are great reasons to seek restorative dentistry. If you are diligent with home and professional oral care, you can keep crowded teeth healthy.
For Restorative Dentistry, Call Dr. Julie Glud Today
For a comprehensive oral health evaluation and restorative dentistry consultation, call Dental Care of Lombard today at 630-629-5700. Dr. Julie Glud and our team want to help you regain great oral health and comfortable, effective oral function so that you can enjoy a high quality of life. We look forward to meeting you.
