Good oral health is essential for a high quality of life, especially as we age.
Recognizing this importance, Kensington Park Senior Living is excited to host “Smile Your Way into Wellness: Oral Health as We Age” on August 27th from 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm.
This educational event features Dr. Susan Ho from Kensington Natural Smiles, who will share insights and practical tips on maintaining oral health in older adults.
RSVP today and join us to learn how the changes in oral health can indicate broader health issues and what steps you can take to manage these changes effectively.
How aging affects oral health
Aging naturally impacts our oral health, just as it does other parts of our bodies.
Key changes include:
- Cellular turnover slows down, leading to slower healing processes.
- Tissues in the mouth thin out, reducing their ability to protect against bacteria and injury.
- Bone density decreases, particularly in the jaw, affecting the stability of teeth.
Common oral health challenges in seniors:
- Dry mouth: Often a side effect of medications, dry mouth significantly reduces saliva, which is vital for neutralizing acids and washing away food particles.
- Gum recession and disease: Gums may recede over time, exposing more of the tooth to potential decay and gum disease.
- Tooth decay: Changes in the mouth can lead to an increased risk of cavities, especially at the tooth root.
- Oral cancer risks: The risk of oral cancer increases with age, influenced by factors like tobacco use, alcohol, and certain viruses.
The link between oral health and overall health
Historically, dental issues have been major contributors to health complications and mortality, but modern advancements in oral health care have dramatically reduced these risks.
Despite these improvements, poor oral health can still precipitate serious conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections, highlighting the critical need for consistent dental care.
Heart disease
Bacteria from gum inflammation can enter the bloodstream and travel to the heart’s arteries. This can increase the risk of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and potentially lead to heart attacks or strokes.
Studies have shown that people with periodontal disease are 2-3 times more likely to have a heart attack, stroke, or other serious cardiovascular event.
Diabetes
Diabetes significantly impacts your body’s ability to process sugar, and the associated high blood sugar can create problems in the gums.
There’s a two-way relationship here: diabetes can increase the risk of gum disease, and gum disease can make it harder to control blood sugar levels.
Regular dental check-ups can help detect early signs of diabetes.
Respiratory issues
Bacteria from the mouth can be breathed into the lungs, leading to respiratory diseases such as pneumonia, especially in people with weakened immune systems.
This particularly concerns older adults, who are more susceptible to respiratory infections.
Good oral hygiene can reduce the risk of bacteria buildup that could lead to these issues.
Cognitive decline
Emerging research suggests a potential link between poor oral health and cognitive decline, including conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.
The exact mechanism is still being studied, but the inflammation associated with gum disease might contribute to brain inflammation.
Nutritional issues
Poor oral health can lead to difficulty eating and nutritional deficiencies. This is especially critical for seniors, who may already be at risk for malnutrition.
Bone health
The same inflammation that affects gum tissue can also weaken bones. This is particularly concerning for older adults who may already be at risk for osteoporosis.
10 tips for maintaining oral health in senior years
As we age, caring for our teeth and gums becomes even more important.
Here’s how to keep your smile bright and healthy.
1. Brush and floss
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to protect your gums.
- Choose a toothpaste with fluoride to strengthen your teeth.
- Flossing removes plaque between teeth where your brush can’t reach.
- If arthritis makes gripping difficult, try an electric toothbrush or a floss holder.
2. Regular dental check-ups are a must
- Don’t skip these! Regular visits help catch issues early.
- Professional cleanings remove tartar buildup.
- Your dentist can spot signs of other health issues, too.
3. Watch what you eat and drink
- Limit sugary treats: They’re not just bad for your waistline, but your teeth too!
- Crunch on healthy snacks: Carrots and apples can naturally clean your teeth.
- Stay hydrated: Water helps wash away food particles and bacteria.
4. Combat dry mouth
- Dry mouth isn’t just uncomfortable—it can lead to tooth decay.
- Sip water throughout the day.
- Try sugar-free gum or lozenges to stimulate saliva production.
- Ask your doctor about saliva substitutes if it’s a persistent problem.
5. Adapt your tools
- Struggling with regular toothbrushes? Electric ones can do the hard work for you.
- Look for toothbrushes and flossers with larger, easy-to-grip handles.
- Interdental brushes can be easier to use than traditional floss.
6. Mind your dentures
- If you wear dentures, clean them daily.
- Remove them at night to give your mouth a rest.
- Ill-fitting dentures can cause sores and infections—have them checked regularly.
7. Quit smoking
- It’s never too late to quit! Smoking increases your risk of gum disease and oral cancer.
8. Be medication-aware
Some medications can affect your oral health. Talk to your dentist about any medications you’re taking:
- Antidepressants: Some of these can cause dry mouth, which may increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
- Antihistamines: Often used for allergies, antihistamines can also lead to dry mouth.
- Diuretics: Used for high blood pressure and other conditions, diuretics can reduce saliva flow.
- Antihypertensives: Blood pressure medications may also cause dry mouth.
- Painkillers: Opioid painkillers can reduce saliva and cause dry mouth.
- Decongestants: Like antihistamines, these can reduce saliva production.
9. Stay vigilant
- Keep an eye out for changes in your mouth. A dentist should check sores, lumps, or persistent pain.
10. Make it a routine
- Set reminders if you tend to forget.
- Pair oral care with another daily activity, like watching the news.
Join our family at Kensington Park Senior Living
Don’t miss the chance to enhance your oral health knowledge: RSVP for our upcoming event to secure your spot.
Our community in Kensington, Maryland, offers top-tier independent living, assisted living, and memory care services.
We are committed to Our Promise of providing loving and attentive care to each resident as if they were our own family.
Contact Kensington Park Senior Living to learn more about our services and how you can join our community.