Dental Care for Seniors

Advancing age puts many seniors at risk for a number of oral health problems, such
as:
Darkened teeth . Caused, to some extent, by changes in dentin -- the bone-like tissue that
underlies the tooth enamel -- and by a lifetime of consuming stain-causing foods and
beverages.
Dry mouth. Dry mouth is caused by reduced saliva flow, which can be a result of cancer
treatments that use radiation to the head and neck area, as well as certain diseases, such
as Sjögren's syndrome, and medication side effects.
Diminished sense of taste . While advancing age impairs the sense of taste, diseases,
medications, and dentures can also contribute to this sensory loss.
Root decay . This is caused by exposure of the tooth root to decay-causing acids. The
tooth roots become exposed as gum tissue recedes from the tooth.
Gum disease. Caused by plaque and made worse by food left in teeth, use of tobacco
products, poor-fitting bridges and dentures, poor diets, and certain diseases, such as
anemia , cancer, and diabetes, this is often a problem for older adults.
Tooth loss . Gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss.
Uneven jawbone . This is caused by tooth loss.
Denture-induced stomatitis . Ill-fitting dentures, poor dental hygiene, or a buildup of the
fungus Candida albicans cause this condition, which is inflammation of the tissue
underlying a denture.
Thrush . Diseases or drugs that affect the immune system can trigger the overgrowth of the
fungus Candida albicans in the mouth.
Age in and of itself is not a dominant or sole factor in determining oral health.
However, certain medical conditions, such as arthritis in the hands and fingers, may
make brushing or flossing teeth difficult to impossible to perform. Drugs can also
affect oral health and may make a change in your dental treatment necessary.

Oral Hygiene Tips for Seniors
Daily brushing and flossing of natural teeth is essential to keeping them in good oral
health. Plaque can build up quickly on the teeth of seniors, especially if oral hygiene
is neglected, and lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
To maintain good oral health, it's important for all individuals -- regardless of age
-- to:
Brush at least twice a day with a fluoride-containing toothpaste
Floss at least once a day
Visit your dentist on a regular schedule for cleaning and an oral exam
Antibacterial mouth rinse can reduce bacteria that cause plaque and gum disease,
according to the American Dental Association.
What Seniors Can Expect During a Dental Exam
If you're a senior headed for a check up, your dentist should conduct a thorough
history and dental exam. Questions asked during a dental history should include:
The approximate date of your last dental visit and reason for the visit
If you have noticed any recent changes in your mouth
If you have noticed any loose or sensitive teeth
If you have noticed any difficulty tasting, chewing, or swallowing
If you have any pain, discomfort, sores, or bleeding in your mouth
If you have noticed any lumps, bumps, or swellings in your mouth

During an oral exam, your dentist will check the following: your face and neck (for
skin discoloration, moles, sores); your bite (for any problems in how the teeth come
together while opening and closing your mouth); your jaw (for signs of clicking and
popping in the temporomandibular joint); your lymph nodes and salivary glands (for
any sign of swelling or lumps); your inner cheeks (for infections, ulcers, traumatic
injuries); your tongue and other interior surfaces -- floor of the mouth, soft and hard
palate, gum tissue (for signs of infection or oral cancer ); and your teeth (for decay,
condition of fillings, and cracks).
If you wear dentures or other appliances, your dentist will ask a few questions about
when you wear your dentures and when you take them out (if removable). He or she
will also look for any irritation or problems in the areas in the mouth that the
appliance touches, and examine the denture or appliance itself (looking for any worn
or broken areas).

Financial Aid for Seniors' Dental Care
If you are a senior on a limited or fixed income and can't afford regular dental care,
many dentists offer their services at reduced fees through dental society-sponsored
assistance programs. Since aid varies from one community to another, call your
local dental society for information about where you can find the nearest assistance
programs and low-cost care locations (such as public health clinics and dental
school clinics). Also, check your local phone book, the internet, or your local dental
society.