Older adults have many of the same oral health care needs as younger adults, but they also face a few unique challenges. Older teeth tend to have more wear and tear, requiring older fillings and appliances to be replaced periodically. And they’re more likely to experience gum disease, making it important to get regular oral screenings.
October is dental hygiene month, making it a great time to reflect on the special oral health care needs of older adults. Here are three common myths about aging, and dental care and steps you can take to care for your teeth:
Myth #1: Getting older means losing your teeth.
It is true that some older adults will lose their natural teeth, but not all older adults will experience tooth loss. Tooth loss varies state by state with some states having higher rates of natural tooth loss than others. In Maine, about one out of every five older adults have lost all of their natural teeth.
The keys to maintaining your teeth are simple but important. Brush your teeth twice a day using a soft toothbrush (or mechanical toothbrush) and fluoride toothpaste, floss with dental floss or flosser once a day, and get regular dental cleanings and checkups. Regular dental checkups will also allow your dentist to spot any periodontal disease, a leading cause of tooth loss for older adults.
For more information and tips about caring for your teeth, visit the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research’s website.
Myth #2: Older adults no longer have to worry about cavities.
The truth is older adults are just as susceptible to cavities as anyone else. In fact, some older adults are at a higher risk of developing cavities. For example, older adults residing in long-term care facilities or who have frail health are at increased risk for cavities and other oral health conditions without proper care.
The aging process itself can make our teeth less sensitive to cavities as they develop coupled with receding gums that expose more sensitive areas of our teeth to the potential for decay.
In addition, many medications can create dry mouth, depriving your mouth of the saliva that is needed to neutralize acids from the foods we eat. If you are taking medication that causes dry mouth, talk with your doctor about possible alternative medications. You can help to alleviate dry mouth by drinking plenty of water and chewing sugarless gum.
Myth #3: They’re just teeth.
The health of our teeth can impact more than just our ability to chew or the attractiveness of our smile. Diseases in other areas of the body have been linked to poor oral health. For example, poor oral health and gum disease has been linked with a variety of health conditions including osteoporosis, diabetes, heart disease, and pneumonia.
These connections between oral health and disease are not yet fully understood but are likely due to inflammation in the mouth, which makes you more susceptible to illness. Likewise certain illnesses can cause inflammation in your mouth.
This teeth/body connection makes it all the more important to address not only any underlying illness you may be experiencing but also maintaining your oral health.
Unfortunately, a lack of dental coverage for older adults is a significant issue that keeps many from seeking the treatment they need to preserve their teeth. One key factor that puts retirees at risk for oral health issues is the loss of dental insurance after retirement. Once retired, access to dental coverage is significantly limited, as both Medicare and Medicaid provide no coverage for preventive care and minimal coverage for emergency care.
Home care and preventive brushing and flossing remain the most cost-effective and critical first line of defense in maintaining good oral health. Start early and stick to strong oral care routine for the long haul.
There is some limited assistance available for those who are unable to afford cleanings and basic dental care. For dental hygiene care, you can find low-cost care at the UMA Dental Hygiene School or the UNE Dental Hygiene Clinic. Both provide care to the public from September through April.
In addition, the Maine Dental Association will be sponsoring its annual Maine Dentists who Care for ME day on Nov. 6, 2015. This is an annual event where participating dentists open their offices and provide free cleanings, fillings, and dental extractions to those in need regardless of age. More information about this event will be available on the Maine Dental Association website in the coming weeks.
The Dental Lifeline Network, a national organization, provides free or low-cost care to older adults who lack the ability to pay for dental care through partnering volunteer dentists. There are also local clinics and initiatives throughout the state that offer free or low-cost care to older adults. More information can be found about those local programs through Maine Dentists Care.
Jennifer Crittenden is the assistant director at the UMaine Center on Aging where she helps to develop and implement research, training and service initiatives that address Maine’s most pressing aging-related issues. Dr. Leonard Brennan and Dr. Demi Kouzounas and the Lunder-Dineen MOTIVATE project lent their expertise and source materials for this article.