A Healthy Mouth, At Any Age

Oral care can have a direct effect on our overall health – and our overall health can impact our mouth’s health in the same way. As we age, those effects can be influenced by a number of other factors, including heart disease and diabetes. Even the medications we take can cause oral side effects, like dry mouth. But with proper care, you can grow older, stay healthy and keep smiling.

Dry Mouth

Dry mouth (xerostomia) is a dryness of the mouth caused by lack of normal salivation. Saliva lubricates and protects the tissue inside the mouth, aids in cleaning the mouth and regulates acidity (pH). If a decrease in saliva production occurs, the mouth may feel uncomfortable and there may be an altered sense of taste and difficulty chewing. Importantly, dry mouth also increases the susceptibility of the teeth to cavities.

The following are the most common causes of dry mouth:

• Medications (such as antihistamines, calcium channel blockers and diuretics)
• Radiation therapy for head and neck cancers
• Immunologic disease
• Sjögren’s syndrome

What you can do to help improve dry mouth symptoms and stay healthy:

• Sip water or use ice chips throughout the day to moisten your mouth
• Drink water during meals to help with chewing and swallowing
• Chew sugar-free gum or suck on sugar-free hard candies
• Brush with a fluoride toothpaste
• Avoid rinses with alcohol, as alcohol can be drying
• Avoid all tobacco use
• Try over-the-counter saliva substitutes
• Breath through your nose instead of your mouth

For severe cases of dry mouth, your doctor may prescribe a medication that stimulates saliva production. Your dentist may also recommend prescription-strength fluoride toothpaste to help prevent root decay.

Root Cavities

Root surface cavities can become more common in the senior population because of exposure of root surfaces by gingival recession and inadequate removal of bacteria and food between teeth. In addition, infrequent dental examinations and cleanings, salivary gland dysfunction, frequent snacking and removable partial dentures can all lead to an increase in cavities.

Preventing cavities on the root surfaces:

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day and following snacks for at least two minutes
• Use a fluoride toothpaste
• Clean in between your teeth with dental floss or an interdental cleaning device
• Have your teeth checked regularly by your dentist or dental hygienist
• Avoid sweet and acidic foods as these will increase the risk of cavities

Seniors may experience less tooth sensitivity overall, so they may not realize they have a cavity. Elderly patients with impaired dexterity may benefit from power toothbrushes or manual toothbrushes with larger handles and from floss holders or other devices to clean between the teeth. Additionally, your dentist may recommend prescription-strength fluoride toothpaste to help prevent root decay.

Gum Disease

Gum disease (periodontal disease) is an infection of the supporting structures of the teeth. When not treated, gum disease can result in the loss of teeth. The prevalence of periodontal disease increases with age, from 6% among persons 25-34 years of age to 41% among those 65 years and older. This increase is not necessarily due to seniors being more susceptible to gum disease, but rather because they are more prone to having bone loss and gingival recession, which are more evident as we age. Preventing gum disease is particularly important because recent studies have shown a possible association between these diseases and both diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Preventing Periodontal Disease:

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day for 2 minutes or more
• Clean in between your teeth daily with dental floss or an interdental cleaning device
• Avoid the use of tobacco
• Eat a balanced diet
• Visit your dentist and dental hygienist regularly for dental cleanings and to check for bone loss

See Your Dentist!

Regardless of your age, it is a great idea to seek professional dental care on a regular basis.

© Philips Oral Healthcare, Inc. 2012. All rights reserved.