While many age-related dental issues can be managed or even prevented with the right care, the British Dental Association (BDA) has emphasised that the recent Government pledge of 700,000 additional dental appointments will only cover a third of the 2.2 million individuals who urgently need NHS dental care. This, along with the NHS criticised over lack of primary care strategy, leaves a significant gap, particularly for the senior population, who are disproportionately impacted by dental problems that become more common with age
In a recent article on The Independent spoke to leading dentists to identify four prevalent dental issues faced by seniors today, and what can be done to manage these.
Image caption: BDA has emphasised that Government pledge of 700,000 additional dental appointments will only cover a third of the 2.2 million individuals who urgently need NHS dental care. | Image credit: Quang Tri Nguyen
1) Gum disease
Gum disease – comprising both gingivitis and periodontal disease – remains one of the most prevalent dental issues in the senior demographic. According to Dr. Nyree Whitley, Chief Clinical Officer at mydentist, “While gum disease is common in older adults, and in most cases caused by bacteria from a build-up of plaque and tartar as a result of poor oral hygiene.” The NHS notes, symptoms of gum disease include swollen, red gums and bleeding, especially when brushing, flossing, or consuming hard foods.
Additionally, seniors with reduced mobility may find it harder to maintain a proper oral hygiene routine, which increases their risk, and increases the importance of seniors not missing their appointments to attend regular check-ups.
2) Tooth decay
Tooth decay is another major concern, often linked to an increase in sugary food and drink consumption combined with inadequate oral hygiene. Dr. Whitley explains, “when we eat sugar, it interacts with the bacteria in plaque to produce acid, which can slowly dissolve the enamel on our teeth and create holes or cavities. Cavities can cause toothache, tooth sensitivity, brown or black spots on the teeth, holes in the teeth and bad breath.
“If you think you may have tooth decay or are suffering from any of these symptoms, you should contact your dentist for a checkup.”
One of the best strategies for preventing decay is to recommend moderation in sugary foods and drinks. “Also, brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes at a time with fluoride toothpaste, and wait for at least 30 minutes before brushing your teeth after enjoying a sugary food or drink,” recommends Whitley. “Your dentist may be able to apply fluoride to support the re-strengthening of your enamel.
“If the decay is more advanced, they may recommend removal of decayed tissue and restoring the cavity.”
Image credit: Caroline Im
3) Receding gums
Receding gums are another common issue, particularly in adults over 40. Gum recession occurs when gum tissue pulls away from the tooth, exposing more of the tooth or its root. This condition is often a result of bacterial infection, but is more commonly caused by aggressive brushing, improper flossing techniques, or tobacco use.
Not only can receding gums alter the aesthetic of a smile, but they can also lead to increased tooth sensitivity and higher susceptibility to tooth decay and loss. While gum recession cannot be reversed naturally, cosmetic procedures such as gum grafting can be effective in addressing the issue.
4) Oral Cancer
Oral cancer remains a significant concern, especially for individuals over 65, who are at a higher risk. The primary risk factors for oral cancer are the use of alcohol and tobacco. Dentists should be vigilant in screening for signs of oral cancer, which may include persistent mouth ulcers, unexplained lumpsor difficulty swallowing that lasts for weeks.
Practical tips for managing senior oral health
•Regular check-ups: Encourage seniors to maintain regular dental appointments, which are crucial for early detection of gum disease, tooth decay, and other oral health concerns.
• Fluoride use: Recommend fluoride toothpaste and treatments to help strengthen enamel and prevent decay, especially for seniors at higher risk of cavities.
• Modified oral care tools: Suggest electric toothbrushes or other adaptive devices for patients with limited mobility to make brushing easier and more effective.
• Lifestyle modifications: Educate patients on the importance of moderating sugar intake, avoiding tobacco use, and limiting alcohol consumption to reduce the risk of oral cancer and other dental issues.
By addressing these common challenges with proactive dental care and providing tailored advice, dental professionals can significantly improve the oral health and overall quality of life for their senior patients.
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