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Older adults are keeping their teeth later in life, but studies indicate that the overall dental
health status of older adults is not good.
Today, nearly 60 percent of individuals 65 years old or older have some or all of their
natural teeth, compared to only 44 percent in 1960. Even so, dental problems are a leading cause
of discomfort, impaired quality of life, and even fatal disease. Oral health is a barometer for
general health problems in the elderly. Because most health insurance plans provide virtually no
dental coverage, older adults are largely required to pay for services themselves.
Several factors place older adults at increased risk: normal physical and mental
deterioration, increased use of medications, and failure to seek routine oral health care. There are
nearly 120 physical or mental conditions with symptoms that show up in the mouth or that affect
an older person's ability to perform good oral hygiene.
People with diabetes are at risk for oral infections and impaired healing that can result in
periodontal disease. Malfunctioning salivary glands can cause pain in the mouth, affecting the
ability to speak, taste, chew or swallow. People with impaired hearing, vision or motor function
may have difficulty caring for their teeth.
Neurological problems, such as a stroke or Parkinson's disease, can adversely affect
dental care. Various forms of dementia can interfere with self-care and hamper attempts to
change inadequate dental health behavior.
Medications like antihypertensives, antihistamines, painkillers and diuretics frequently
affect the salivary glands, causing problems to develop. Drugs for angina and congestive heart
failure may result in abnormal healing and the inability to tolerate lengthy dental appointments, as
well as increase the chance for infection.
Infrequent visits to the dentist also increase an older person's risk for oral health problems.
Older adults who wear dentures often feel there is no need for regular checkups. Many adults 65
and older who didn't learn the importance of oral hygiene earlier in life don't understand the
importance of preventive dental care.
For denture-wearers, the buildup of plaque can irritate the tissues under the dentures.
Clean dentures thoroughly every day. Also, see a dentist at least once a year to be sure dentures
fit properly and that gum tissues are disease free.
While people commonly associate cavities with children, tooth decay can occur at any age.
Bacteria stick to the teeth and form a sticky, colorless film called plaque. In children, cavities
affect the crown of the tooth. In older people, decay occurs more often at the root surface. Root
cavities tend to grow quickly in older adults with receded gum lines, a condition that occurs
with advancing age. Regular brushing and flossing can protect against tooth decay.
Dry mouth can be a side effect of certain medications and can lead to tooth decay, gum
disease and sore mouth. People with dry mouth should take special care to keep their teeth clean.
Because they don't have enough saliva to wash the sugar away, they should brush often and avoid
high sugar foods and drinks.
Gum disease is a common cause of tooth loss in the elderly, affecting more than 50
percent of adults between 65 and 74. Plaque accumulates between the teeth and gums, causing
the gums to recede and allowing infections to form in the pockets between the teeth. Symptoms
include gums that bleed during brushing, red or swollen gums, permanent teeth that become loose
or displaced, and unpleasant breath or a persistent bad taste in the mouth.
Older adults who take an active role in preserving their teeth as they age are a step ahead
in improving their overall health and well-being for many years.
For more information, contact your local
Colorado State University Extension office.
or contact your local
Colorado State University Extension office.
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Updated Tuesday, November 27, 2007
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