Dental Services
Your teeth can last a lifetime with proper home care and regular dental checkups. Even if you brush and floss regularly, you may face certain issues in your senior years when it comes to your oral health. Wearing dentures, taking medications and general health conditions are some of these issues.
Try an anti-sensitivity toothpaste: Sensitivity can be an increasing problem as one ages. Your gums naturally recede over time, exposing areas of the tooth that are not protected by enamel. These areas are particularly prone to cold or hot foods or beverages, cold air, sweet and sour drinks and foods. If the problem persists, it could be an indication of a cavity or a cracked or fractured tooth; a visit to your dentist is highly recommended for evaluation or treatment.
Dry mouth is very common in seniors, and may be caused by medications (such as antihistamines, decongestants, pain killers, diuretics, high blood pressure medications and antidepressants) or certain medical disorders. If left untreated, it can damage your teeth. There are various methods to restore moisture in your mouth, as well as appropriate treatment and medications.
Existing health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or cancer, can affect your oral health. Patients with uncontrolled diabetes do not heal quickly after oral surgery or other dental procedures because blood flow to the treatment site can be impaired. People with diabetes who frequently take antibiotics are especially prone to develop a fungal infection of the mouth and tongue. Be sure to keep your dentist well informed about any health issues or medical treatment you might be undergoing so special needs are taken into consideration prior to dental procedures, if required. An example of these requirements is antibiotic premedication prior to dental treatment for patients with certain heart conditions to prevent Infective Endocarditis. IE is an infection of the heart's inner lining or valves which results when bacteria enter the bloodstream and travel to the heart.
The American Heart Association's latest guidelines recommend preventive antibiotics prior to a dental visit for patients with:
-- artificial heart valves
-- a history of infective endocarditis
-- certain specific, serious congenital (present from birth) heart conditions
-- a cardiac transplant that develops a problem in a heart valve
Dentures can make life easier for many seniors, but they require special care. An annual checkup is recommended for long-term denture wearers.
Crowns and bridges are used to strengthen damaged teeth, replace missing ones or improve their appearance, shape or alignment. As with dentures, they require special homecare and annual checkups.
Gum disease (periodontal disease) is a potentially serious condition that can affect people of all ages, but especially people over 40. Among some factors that increase the severity of periodontal disease are bad diet, poor oral hygiene, systemic diseases (such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer, etc), environmental factors (such as stress and smoking) and certain medications that can influence gum condition (such as Dilantin).
Regular dental checkups can ensure detection and treatment of early stages of gum disease when it is still reversible.
Prevention is a key factor in oral health. The CDC, Centers of Disease Control, states that good oral health can enhance your quality of life by decreasing oral pain, difficulty eating, edentulism (total tooth loss), use of dental prosthesis, and the use multiple medications.
Easy steps to maintain good oral health (CDC, 2006):
- Drink fluoridated water and use fluoride toothpaste; fluoride provides protection against dental decay at all ages.
- Practice good oral hygiene. Careful tooth brushing and flossing to reduce dental plaque can help prevent periodontal disease.
- It is important to see your dentist on a regular basis, even if you have no natural teeth and have dentures. Professional care helps to maintain the overall health of the teeth and mouth, and provides for early detection of pre-cancerous or cancerous lesions.
- Avoid tobacco. In addition to the general health risks posed by tobacco use, smokers have seven times the risk of developing periodontal disease compared to non-smokers. Tobacco used in any form—cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and smokeless (spit) tobacco—increases the risk for periodontal disease, oral and throat cancers, and oral fungal infection (candidiasis). Spit tobacco containing sugar also increases the risk of cavities.
- Limit alcohol. Drinking a high amount of alcoholic beverages is a risk factor for oral and throat cancers. Alcohol and tobacco used together are the primary risk factors for these cancers.
- Make sure that you or your loved one gets dental care prior to having cancer chemotherapy or radiation to the head or neck. These therapies can damage or destroy oral tissues and can result in severe irritation of the oral tissues and mouth ulcers, loss of salivary function, rampant tooth decay, and destruction of bone.
- Caregivers should reinforce the daily oral hygiene routines of elders who are unable to perform these activities independently.
- Sudden changes in taste and smell should not be considered signs of aging, but should be a sign to seek professional care.
- If medications produce a dry mouth, ask your doctor if there are other drugs that can be substituted. If dry mouth cannot be avoided, drink plenty of water, chew sugarless gum, and avoid tobacco and alcohol.
To maintain good oral hygiene it is important to maintain regular dental visits. However, the majority of older adults do not have insurance that covers dental services. When investigating insurance plans it is recommended to research insurance plans that assist with dental services. Medicaid, a Federal-State health insurance plan designed for those of low income and/or who are disabled, provides funding for dental care. No matter what your age may be you can qualify for Medicaid as long as your meet the requirements. Medicare, a Federal-State health program for older Americans over the age of 65, does not offer dental insurance.
