Dental Health for Seniors

The good habits of effective daily brushing, diet and use of fluoride will help the aging person adapt to changing conditions.

Reduced salivary flow and the addition of medications will affect oral health dramatically. Changes of the teeth and gums:

• Teeth will darken because of long-term exposure to plaque and changes in the dentin within the tooth.
• The gums may recede and uncover the roots. Exposed roots will be darker than the enamel part of the tooth and are prone to decay.
• Fillings can decay and darken too, as they weaken over time.
• “Dry mouth” may develop: saliva lubricates, washes away plaque and neutralizes acid. Flow of saliva can be reduced by a medical disorder or as a side effect of antihistamines, decongestants, pain killers or diuretics. The build-up of plaque will accelerate tooth decay.
• More gum infection will cause a loss of bone support for the teeth.
• Poorly-fitting or poorly-cleaned dentures, illness and some medications increase the severity of the problem.

For more information regarding dental problems of the elderly, please call our office.

Related reading: Dry mouth · Burning mouth · Denture concerns