It’s important to take good care of your teeth as you age. Elderly patients often need more frequent visits to stay healthy, as they are at a higher risk of oral complications, including extraction, tooth decay, and periodontal (gum) disease.

Electric Toothbrush

One of the best things you can do for your oral health, especially during your golden years, is to invest in an electric toothbrush. Whereas a traditional toothbrush takes a bit more elbow grease, electric toothbrushes clean your teeth while requiring minimal physical effort. This is perfect if you struggle with mobility. It cleans your mouth without jeopardizing your physical wellbeing.

Modify Your Traditional Toothbrush

If you are unable to invest in an electric toothbrush, there is a way to modify your traditional toothbrush. Try elongating the handle of your toothbrush. This way you can easily reach your back molars and other harder to reach areas. Look around your home for a few simple materials. Specifically, foam, rubber, or even tongue depressors can assist you. Wrap these around your toothbrush handle closer to its end. You should now have a longer toothbrush and brushing your teeth should be much easier.

Caretakers Can Help Too

If you live with or take care of an older individual, your help is important too. Gently remind them to brush twice a day and floss as well. If they have problems with physical tasks, assist them. You can also offer to give them rides to their dental appointments or even schedule the appointments for them. As dental care can be expensive, many communities offer public health programs for older patients, offering discounted or even free services. Reach out to your local social services or public health office to learn more.

Routine Checkups

Dental hygiene is extremely important for anyone, but even more so for senior citizens. It’s vital that senior citizens come in for routine checkups so that we can monitor their dental health. Sometimes poor dental health can be an indicator that something else is going on inside the body. Gently remind your senior of this and help them set up their next appointment.

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Our bodies are home to bacteria which are common in our mouths, but which can be dangerous elsewhere. For some people, especially those who have chronic medical conditions, specific cardiac conditions, or whose immune systems are compromised, bacteria that spreads throughout the bloodstream and into the heart can lead to a serious bacterial infection called infective endocarditis.

Generally, premedication is advised if you have one of these risk factors:

• A history of infective endocarditis
• Certain congenital heart conditions (heart conditions present since birth)
• An artificial heart valve
• A heart transplant

The American Association of Endodontists extends recommendations to patients who have undergone joint replacement surgery within the past two years, suffer from Type I diabetes, or have immune deficiencies from diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or HIV; cancer patients whose immune systems are suppressed because of radiation or chemotherapy; people who have had organ transplants; and people with hemophilia.

For these patients, any dental procedure may cause bleeding, and prophylactic antibiotic administration is recommended as a preventive measure.

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What is Halitosis?

Halitosis, also known as chronic bad breath, is often the result of improper care of your oral health. When you eat, food particles gather throughout your mouth, sticking to the surfaces of your tongue, in between your teeth, and on your gum tissue. Your oral bacteria break down these substances and release certain odors from the mouth. If left unmanaged, these odors eventually develop into halitosis. By learning what causes halitosis and what you can do to avoid it, you can maintain fresh breath.

What causes halitosis?

There are a few factors that cause halitosis, including:

• Poor dental hygiene: Poor brushing and flossing habits, or lack thereof, are common causes of bad breath. The bacteria in plaque feed on food particles left in the mouth and create odor-causing waste products. Basic oral hygiene should include brushing and flossing your teeth at least twice a day and seeing your dentist twice a year for checkups and professional cleanings.
• Gum disease: Halitosis is a frequent symptom of gum disease. When plaque and tartar build up, toxins from bacteria irritate gum tissue. This irritation can cause red, swollen, or bleeding gums, as well as persistent bad breath.
• Dry mouth: Saliva plays an essential part in your oral health. It not only helps you speak and eat, but it also disposes of any food debris. Dry mouth creates a shortage of saliva. Without the proper amount, your mouth can’t clean away dangerous pathogens. This creates unpleasant breath and results in other dental conditions.
• Oral infections: When you have an infection in the throat, mouth, or nose, bacteria spreads to your mouth through a post-nasal drip. The bacteria feed off your mucus while your body fights off the infection. These biological processes create bad breath.
• Tobacco use: Tobacco products leave a bad taste in your mouth, which creates halitosis. Smoking also dries out the mouth, leading to further complications that result in bad breath.

Treating Halitosis

Improving your dental hygiene is the best way to treat your halitosis. Take a step back and evaluate your daily routines. It’s important that you always brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes. Make sure that your toothpaste contains minerals such as fluoride, which helps to naturally eliminate bacteria. Another important activity is flossing, at least once a day. It’s even better to floss after every meal.

There are a few other lifestyle changes that can help, such as cutting back on caffeinated beverages, drinking more water, seeing your dentist twice a year, and chewing sugarless gum to help your bad breath while stimulating saliva production.

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Teeth grinding and clenching, also called bruxism, is associated with stress and sometimes caffeine and stimulants. As bruxism most often occurs at night, some people may not realize they do it, but the signs and symptoms show in the teeth.

Teeth grinding and clenching are common habits that can have harmful effects on the teeth. Symptoms include:

• Headaches
• Jaw pain
• Worn tooth from repeated friction
• Loosened teeth
• Teeth that are sensitive to temperature

If damage to your teeth or existing dental work is evident, your dentist might recommend a custom-made night guard, also called an occlusal guard. Similar to an athlete’s mouthguard, it’s made of plastic and creates a cushion between your teeth to protect them from adverse effects. It also protects your jaw joints from excessive force.

Occlusal guards might also be helpful if you have a bite issue, where some teeth might receive more of the impact of clenching than others.

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Preventive care is one of the best—and easiest—ways you can maintain your healthy smile for a lifetime. Practicing good oral hygiene helps prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Protecting your teeth helps prevent dental trauma. Seeing your dentist regularly helps you discover any dental issues, and early treatment prevents them from becoming more serious. Best of all, proactive care requires only a few simple practices:

• Brush your teeth at least twice each day. Use a soft-bristled brush to protect your enamel and gums, and replace your brush every three months, or whenever it begins to fray. Use a fluoride toothpaste to reduce your risk of cavities. Don’t forget to brush the top of your tongue to remove plaque and food particles and to keep your breath fresh.
• Floss at least one a day. Flossing helps remove plaque and bacteria from between the teeth and near the gum line where brushes can’t reach. Dentist-recommended mouthwashes can also help remove plaque in those hard-to-reach spots.
• Eat a balanced, tooth-healthy diet. Proteins build bone and help the body repair damaged tissue. Dairy products provide calcium and vitamin D for stronger enamel. Fruits and vegetables contain vitamins and minerals that are essential for overall oral health. Foods that harm tooth enamel should be kept to a minimum, such as sugar-filled treats and acidic sodas and energy drinks.
• Talk to your dentist about dental sealants. During this easy, comfortable procedure, a thin plastic coating is applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, protecting them from bacteria and plaque. Sealants are especially helpful for children, because it can be hard for them to brush the irregular surfaces of the molars thoroughly, but adults can benefit from sealants as well.
• Protect your teeth with custom-fitted appliances. Mouthguards should be used in any activity where contact with someone or something is a possibility. Nightguards protect teeth from the pressures of nightly tooth grinding. Retainers make sure teeth stay aligned while the bone and ligaments around the roots strengthen, stabilizing the teeth and holding them in place.
• Pay attention to your body’s signals. Tooth pain, swollen, red, receding, or bleeding gums, chronic bad breath, a sore that doesn’t go away—any symptom that causes you discomfort or concern should be evaluated promptly by your dentist or physician.
• Schedule regular checkups and cleanings. Most people benefit from a visit to the dentist every six months to make sure their teeth, gums, and mouth are healthy and to remove any accumulated plaque and tartar. Check with your dentist to discover the perfect schedule for your needs, and for other tips to keep your smile healthy and bright for a lifetime.

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Due to changes in hormones, pregnant women might be more susceptible to oral health conditions, like gingivitis, tooth decay, and pregnancy tumors.

Pregnancy gingivitis affects nearly 40% of pregnant women and looks like:

• Red and swollen gums
• Sensitivity of gums and teeth
• Bleeding after brushing or flossing

Gingivitis is early-stage gum disease, and without proper care, it can lead to more serious conditions like periodontitis. Periodontitis is a bacterial infection that attacks the tissue and bones supporting the teeth and, though the connection is unclear, is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes like low birth weight and preterm births. With a little extra care in your oral health routine, you can keep pregnancy gingivitis at bay. Recommendations include:

• Spending more time brushing, focusing on the gum line
• Using an antimicrobial mouthwash after brushing

Pregnant women might also be more susceptible to tooth decay, especially if they suffer from nausea or morning sickness. The acidity of vomit can weaken tooth enamel, so it’s important to rinse your mouth before brushing to make sure the acid is gone. It’s best to wait 30 minutes after rinsing before brushing your teeth, so that acid isn’t pushed further into the teeth and gums.

Another effect of pregnancy hormones on oral health is pregnancy tumors. They affect about five percent of pregnant women and are completely benign, but can cause discomfort. Symptoms include:

• Small, berry-colored lumps at the gum line or between teeth, between .5 and 2.5 centimeters in size
• Sometimes painful

Though these tumors go away on their own, and are not cancerous or harmful, they might be painful and can be removed, typically with a laser or cryosurgery.

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Our bodies keep our bones strong by absorbing old bone cells and replacing them with newer and stronger bone material. Osteoporosis is a condition that occurs when we absorb more bone than we replace, resulting in weakened bones. Osteoporosis can affect any part of the body, including the jawbone, and can lead to dental issues like loosening teeth

Osteoporosis medications, like denosumab or bisphosphonates, attempt to bring the reabsorption rate into balance, and can greatly improve bone density and health.

In rare cases and for reasons unknown, these medications can have adverse effects specifically on the jawbone, so it’s important to get a dental exam before starting treatment, especially if you have any existing oral health issues.

Common medications include:

• Alendronate (Fosamax, Binosto)
• Ibandronate (Boniva)
• Risendronate (Actonel, Atelvia)
• Zolendronic acid (Reclast, Zometa)

In most cases, people taking medication for osteoporosis can proceed with dental procedures like implants and extractions after careful examination and evaluation of the jawbone. The presence of osteoporosis might influence the type of implants used, and the amount of healing time needed after the procedure.

One possible side effect of bisphosphonates is something called medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ or MRONJ), which happens when isolated areas of the jawbone lose their vitality and die.

You might have an increased risk to develop MRONJ if you:

• Have been on medication for osteoporosis for over two years
• Have periodontitis or dentures
• Have been receiving high doses of anti-reabsorption agents (usually for cancer or for preventive osteoporosis treatments)

Over 90% of people who suffer from MRONJ receive high doses of the medication intravenously, in most cases to treat cancer. Rarely does this problem occur in people who take the medication orally.

If you are a candidate for a tooth extraction or implant placement, it’s important to speak with your dentist and healthcare professional about the use of osteoporosis medication.

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Oral cancer screenings check for any precancerous or cancerous conditions in the mouth. An oral cancer screening is completed with an ultraviolet light that allows your dentist to view issues that cannot be detected with the naked eye. Precancerous lesions identified under this light are much easier to be removed and are more likely to be cured.

Causes of Oral Cancer

• Tobacco use of any kind, such as cigarettes, cigars, pipes, chewing tobacco, snuff, dip and vaping
• Heavy alcohol consumption
• Family history of cancer
• Human papillomavirus (HPV)
• Significant sun exposure

Symptoms of Oral Cancer

• Red or white spots or sores anywhere in the oral cavity
• A sore that bleeds easily or does not heal
• A lump, thickening, or rough spot
• Pain, tenderness, or numbness anywhere in the mouth or on the lips
• Difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking, or moving the jaw or tongue

Preventing Oral Cancer

• Avoid all tobacco products
• Drink alcohol in moderation
• Maintain a healthy, balanced diet
• Limit your exposure to the sun and always wear UV-A/B-blocking, sun-protective lotions on your skin as well as your lips
• Ask your dentist to perform an oral exam since early detection of oral cancer can improve the chance of successful treatment

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Nutrition goes hand in hand with oral health. It can affect the speed at which oral diseases may progress. Such diseases include caries, periodontal disease, erosion, cancer, ulcers, and dry mouth. For some people, good nutrition may not be a possibility due to age, specific medical conditions, or socioeconomic status. For example, senior patients who experience tooth loss, reduced chewing ability, and decreased appetite may find that their nutritional choices are limited.

Nutritional Choices for Good Oral Health

One of the best ways we can maintain good oral health is by taking a step back and reflecting on what types of food and beverages go into our mouths every day. Take a look at the tips below and adjust your lifestyle accordingly to maintain your own oral health.

Fruits & Vegetables

All fruits have sugar, but did you know that some are better for you than others While still better for you than other sugary treats, fruits like pineapples, oranges, and grapes are high in sugar and can affect the health of your teeth if eaten regularly enough. Apples are a great source of fiber and even act as “nature’s toothbrush” while you eat one. A great nutritional choice for your teeth is vegetables, especially ones high in fiber, like carrots, broccoli, and cauliflower. These vegetables can also act as “nature’s toothbrush.” Fruits and vegetables also contain many antioxidant vitamins, such as vitamin C, that help protect the gums from infection.

Acidic Beverages and Processed Sugar

Sugar attracts harmful bacteria. The bacteria consume the sugar and produce excess amounts of acid, which attacks your tooth enamel. Left unchecked, this can then lead to cavities and tooth decay. It’s recommended that you limit your intake of processed sugars such as candy and other sweet treats, as well as acidic beverages like coffee, juice concentrate, and soda. Acidic beverages not only create a breeding ground for bacteria and ultimately tooth decay and gum disease, but they are also the culprits behind unsightly staining on your teeth. Water is the healthiest option for your oral health. For example, hydration aids in saliva production, which is extremely important to help reduce infections in the mouth and throat. Saliva also helps protect your teeth and gums.

Brushing and Flossing

It is vital that you brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day to remove extra food particles and debris caught in between your teeth. If these particles and debris are left where they are, the conditions are perfectly set up for tooth decay to develop. However, after consuming something sugary or acidic, it is recommended that you wait 30 to 60 minutes before you brush. This is because the sugar and acid have softened the enamel on the surface of your teeth. You would actually be helping your teeth erode by brushing right after.

Visit Your Dentist

It’s important to visit your dentist twice a year. With special tools, your dentist is able to take a look at those hard to reach areas in your mouth that you might have missed with your toothbrush. Because of this, your dentist is able to see if there are any signs of an issue forming in your mouth. Early detection is the best way to treat a problem. At each of your visits, you will also get a professional cleaning done. Your dental technician will thoroughly clean and polish your teeth, even those hard to reach areas.

Nutrition and oral health are directly connected. Consider some of these tips and see where you can improve or change your nutritional habits to maintain your own good oral health.

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Tooth loss can be caused by gum disease, deep decay, and trauma. Certain congenital genetic conditions can result in teeth which never develop. Some medical conditions can contribute to tooth loss. But no matter what the cause, missing teeth should never be ignored. A missing tooth is not just a cosmetic problem; losing a tooth can impact your oral health as well.

Bite Problems

When a missing tooth leaves a gap, your healthy, even bite can suffer misalignment.

• The remaining teeth might begin moving toward the empty spot left by your lost tooth. Shifting teeth will upset the comfortable alignment of your teeth and your bite.
• A tooth above or below the missing tooth might begin to grow longer to fill the void where the teeth once met, causing further bite problems.
• Changes in your bite can cause headaches, difficulty brushing and flossing, and excess wear and damage to your remaining teeth.

Difficulty Chewing

The loss of even a single tooth has a negative effect on eating habits and neighboring teeth.

• Chewing and biting put many pounds of pressure on the teeth. Extra pressure is put on your remaining teeth when a tooth is missing, which causes more wear on them.
• Front teeth are designed to bite, not to grind or chew. Using the front teeth for chewing is hard on teeth and doesn’t break down your food properly.
• You may start chewing on only one side of the mouth, which can lead to tooth sensitivity and temporomandibular joint pain.
• If food isn’t chewed as thoroughly as it should be, your digestive health can suffer.

Bone Loss

The bone tissue that supports your teeth needs the stimulation of biting and chewing to stay

healthy.

• Without this stimulation, bone tissue under your missing tooth will be resorbed by the body, creating a sunken area where the tooth used to be.
• Loss of bone in the jaw can destabilize surrounding teeth as well, causing loose teeth.
• If you want to replace a lost tooth with a dental implant, surgical bone grafting could be necessary to restore enough healthy bone to hold the implant, or the procedure may not be possible at all.

Changes in Facial Appearance and Speech

A missing tooth can affect your self-confidence, just as it can affect your health.

• A gap in your teeth can make you hesitant to smile.
• Cheeks, lips, and profiles can take on a sunken look when the jawbone shrinks, causing your face to look older.
• Because it’s difficult to pronounce some sounds properly with missing teeth, your speech can be affected.

If you are missing one or more teeth, don’t delay treatment. Talk to your dentist about the options available for comfortable and natural-looking tooth replacement, including implants, bridges, and full or partial dentures. Replacing a missing tooth restores the appearance and protects the health of your smile.

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