Pampering Plus Inc. Blog

The More Teeth We Keep, the Longer We Live!

By 2060, according to the US Census, the number of US adults aged 65 years or older is expected to reach 98 million, 24% of the overall population. Older Americans with the poorest oral health tend to be those who are economically disadvantaged, lack insurance, and are members of racial and ethnic minorities. Being disabled, homebound, or institutionalized (e.g., seniors who live in nursing homes) also increases the risk of poor oral health. Adults 50 years and older who smoke are also less likely to get dental care than people who do not.

Many older Americans do not have dental insurance because they lost their benefits upon retirement and the federal Medicare program does not cover routine dental care. The good news is, with advances in fluoridation and dentistry, increasing numbers of older adults are keeping their teeth and the more teeth you have, the longer you live.

Oral Health Problems In Older Adults Can Include:

• Untreated Tooth Decay - Nearly all adults (96%) aged 65 years or older have had a cavity. 1 in 5 have untreated tooth decay.
• Periodontal (Gum) Disease - A high percentage (about 2 in 3 or 68%) of adults aged 65 or older have gum disease.
• Tooth Loss - Nearly 1 in 5 of adults aged 65 or older have lost all their teeth. Complete tooth loss is twice as prevalent (26%) among adults aged 75 and older compared with adults aged 65-74 (13%). Having missing teeth or wearing dentures can affect nutrition because soft, easily chewed foods are preferred instead of foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Cancers of the Mouth - Oral and pharyngeal cancers are primarily diagnosed in older adults; median age at diagnosis is 62 years.
• Chronic Disease - People with chronic diseases (arthritis, diabetes, heart diseases, COPD) may be more likely to develop gum disease, but they are less likely to get dental care than adults without these chronic conditions. Also, prescription and over-the-counter drugs can cause dry mouth and the reduced saliva flow increases the risk of cavities.
• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia) – The major factor contributing to tooth and gum problems is the 30 percent drop in saliva production that comes with aging and the acidic environment it creates in the mouth.
• Plaque Build-up - A gummy and corrosive mix of bacteria, food particles and substances found in saliva flourishes as the mouth becomes dryer and more acidic.
• Receding & Inflamed Gums - Gums recede naturally with age, leaving the roots of teeth exposed to plaque. Plaque build-up leads to gum inflammation which sets the stage for late-in-life tooth loss.
• Bone Shrinkage - Age-related shrinkage of the jaw bones leads to ill-fitting partial and full dentures; mouth, palate and gum sores; and chewing and nutrition-related problems.
  

Preventative Measures To Assist With Oral Health

• Brush with the Right Brush - That means a toothbrush that can be held effectively, which for some people means a brush with modified grips. For those with functional concerns, it may mean an electric or sonic toothbrush. For those using dentures, it means two brushes: one for the mouth and one for the dentures. 
• Use an Appropriate Tooth Cleaner - Products for sensitive teeth that include enamel strengtheners are best. For those who have swallowing and/or spitting problems, gels which don’t create much foam or require constant spitting and rinsing, are probably the best choice. 
• Use a Saliva Substitute - Sugarless gum and hard candy can help stimulate saliva.
• Rinse Often - Antibacterial mouthwashes keep plaque at bay and freshen breath. Rinsing with water several times a day helps with bad breath and alleviates dry mouth.         
• See a Dentist - Older adults should see a dentist twice a year: three times a year after 75. Individuals with complex oral problems or cognitive decline should probably see a geriatric dentist because they have the skills and comfort level to work with those individuals.
  

Rely on Pampering Plus Inc. - the Home Care Agency You Can Trust

The staff of Pampering Plus Inc are educated on the importance of oral care for our consumers and are proficient in providing these services to our clients that need assistance with oral care. We will act as a support system to assist you in maintaining your independence, offering a wide range of services to meet the individual requirements of each one of our clients. If you are considering in-home care services, talk to the friendly dependable staff at Pampering Plus. We can answer your questions and help you understand more about the services we offer. Click to contact us online or call 215-881-8902 today!