Caring for your teeth and oral health is hopefully a healthy habit you’ve had your whole life. But it’s even more important as you age! For adults 65 years and older, oral health can suffer because of several common issues. Difficulty with arthritis, coordination problems (such as occurs after a stroke), and dementia can all make dental hygiene more challenging.
In addition, dry mouth is common over the age of 65– as many as 30% of adults in this age group report it.1
All of these factors can lead to problems like cavities and gum disease. In this article, we’ll take a look at tips and tricks to improve your dental hygiene and reduce the risk of oral health problems.
The Basics: Brushing & Flossing
Brushing and flossing is a must to keep your teeth free of tartar. This hard buildup of filmy bacteria, or plaque, on your teeth leads to poor oral health. The American Dental Association recommends brushing all surfaces of your teeth twice daily for at least two minutes using fluoride toothpaste, and flossing daily. 2
Use a soft toothbrush to make small back and forth motions up to the gumline to brush. Pay special attention to the inside of your front teeth, with vertical brushing motions. If your toothbrush is damaged or frayed, replace it. Toothbrushes should routinely be replaced every 3-4 months. 3
For older adults, osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis can make gripping a toothbrush difficult. There are some tricks you can use to make holding a toothbrush easier:
- Use an electric toothbrush with a larger handle
- Buy an adaptive grip, such as a foam grip, that slides over the toothbrush handle
- Slide your toothbrush handle into a bicycle handlebar grip
- If flossing is difficult, use flossing picks or ask your dentist about a special brush that can be used instead
After the age of 75, as many as 50% of seniors suffer from dental root cavities.4 This is partly because dry mouth and receding gums can expose tooth roots, but keeping your teeth and gums healthy by brushing and flossing avoids cavities and gingivitis (gum inflammation), too.
Reducing Dry Mouth
It’s also important to address symptoms of dry mouth (called xerostomia). This often happens as a side effect of medications. There are some ways you can improve this if it is a problem for you: 5
- Chew sugar-free gum
- Avoid tobacco use
- Drink plenty of water (but not more than recommended by your doctor!)
- Use an over-the-counter saliva substitute
- Use a humidifier in the room where you sleep
- Avoid over-the-counter antihistamines and decongestants
- Use a mouthwash designed for dry mouth, instead of one containing alcohol, which can dry your mouth more
- Limit your caffeine intake
- Breathe through your nose, not your mouth
Dental Care Tips for Seniors With Dementia
If you are caring for a loved one with dementia, dental care can sometimes be a challenge. They may need extra reminders to brush and floss, or they may be unable to do these tasks without help. If memory and cognition are affecting dental hygiene, these are some tips you can follow:
- Give step-by-step instructions- if the person is still able to brush their own teeth, they may get confused and need prompts. Just reminding them to brush might not be enough. Talking someone through holding the brush, adding toothpaste, and then brushing can help.
- Offer hands-on help- you may have to gently hold someone’s hand while they brush, or brush their teeth yourself. If they’re resistant, you can try distracting them with another item to hold, or you may have to wait and try again later. Brushing while both of you are seated may be easier.
- Try different toothbrushes- an electric toothbrush can make cleaning easier, or it may be more confusing for someone with dementia. For hard-to-reach areas, a more angled brush may work better.
- Look for symptoms of problems- someone with cognitive trouble may not be aware of issues in their mouth, or be able to tell someone. Any red or bleeding gums, loose teeth, sores in the mouth, or signs of pain when eating or brushing, such as grimacing or pulling away, should be checked out by a dentist.
How to Care for Dentures
If you’re an older adult who uses dentures, don’t forget these require care just like teeth do! Each day, be sure you are following these tips:
- Brush your dentures daily using a non-abrasive denture cleaner (never toothpaste, which can damage dentures)
- Soak your dentures overnight in a denture-soaking solution (be sure you rinse them before you put them back in your mouth!)
- Brush your gums, tongue, and the roof of your mouth with a soft toothbrush every day
- Rinse dentures after eating, taking care not to drop them on a hard surface. Some people put a towel or washcloth down in the sink first.
- See your dentist right away if you notice your dentures are not fitting right or causing discomfort
Report Concerns to Your Doctor or Dentist
If you notice any changes or problems with your mouth or teeth, it’s important to talk to a professional as soon as possible. Untreated dental problems can cause loss of teeth and difficulty eating, or even lead to an infection. And as we age, the risk of oral cancers increases. If you notice any of the following concerns, get them checked out:
- Trouble chewing or swallowing
- Pain in the mouth or teeth that won’t go away
- Loose teeth or dentures
- A sore anywhere in your mouth or on your lip that doesn’t heal
- Numbness or tingling in or near your mouth
- Bleeding gums
- White or red patches in your mouth
- Areas in the mouth that feel lumpy or thickened
- Jaw swelling or pain
- Bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth that won’t go away
A Few More Tips for Good Dental Hygiene
Even the best care at home isn’t a replacement for regular trips to the dentist. The standard recommendation is to see a dentist every six months, but some people may require more frequent care. Talk to your dentist about the best way to manage your specific situation.
If it has become hard to manage your dental care on your own, it can feel embarrassing to ask for help. You are not alone- oral hygiene is difficult for many seniors. A little extra help is sometimes necessary to keep your teeth and mouth healthy! For older adults who need extra dental hygiene help for any reason, including weakness, difficulty with coordination, or due to dementia, a home care service can assist with daily dental hygiene in addition to other self-care tasks. For more information, you can visit Caresify’s homepage, or call 888-799-5007.
References
- https://www.ada.org/resources/research/science-and-research-institute/oral-health-topics/aging-and-dental-health
- https://www.ada.org/resources/research/science-and-research-institute/oral-health-topics/home-care
- https://www.ada.org/resources/research/science-and-research-institute/oral-health-topics/toothbrushes
- https://www.ada.org/resources/research/science-and-research-institute/oral-health-topics/aging-and-dental-health
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dry-mouth/expert-answers/dry-mouth/faq-20058424
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