Oral Care Strategies for Older Adults
As the years go by, most of us find that our teeth require an increasing amount of care. A cracked tooth here, a root canal there; we start to worry about eventually needing dentures like our parents or grandparents did. What many of us don’t consider is that, as we age, oral health problems can become very serious very quickly.
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), losing our teeth with age is not inevitable. Good dental care can help us keep our original teeth for life. However, the ADA does call attention to the increasing dangers of periodontal disease for people of all ages.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that more than 47 percent of the U.S. population aged 30 years and older have mild, moderate, or severe periodontitis. Nearly two-thirds of adults over age 65 have moderate to severe periodontal disease.
Unfortunately, caregivers are often most concerned about their loved ones’ predominant health issues, such as dementia, heart failure, or arthritis. Oral care tends to fall by the wayside for seniors (and the family members who are caring for them), but it should remain a top priority for everyone.
The Importance of Oral Hygiene: Dr. Jean-Max Jean-Pierre, a board-certified periodontist in Hendersonville, Tennessee, says that research is making strong connections between poor oral health and impaired health overall. “Oral health can influence the onset, strength and persistence of many degenerative diseases,” says Dr. Jean-Pierre.
Inflammation, for example, is one of the top five reasons many degenerative diseases, such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and neurological problems like Alzheimer’s disease, worsen. New research has found that gum disease, which results in chronic inflammation, may lead to more severe Alzheimer’s later in life. “Though oral disorders are not a direct cause of conditions such as Alzheimer’s, researchers believe there is a strong association between gum disease and Alzheimer’s risk,” Jean-Pierre explains.
The consequences of poor oral hygiene can be serious, but it is also challenging for a caregiver to encourage a senior to change their ways or provide them assistance with dental care. Dr. Jean-Pierre provides guidance for caregivers to ensure their loved ones receive the best possible dental care…
Minding Our Elders: Caregivers Share Their Personal Stories. “For anyone having to walk the last segments of life with a loved one, read this.” …Delores
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