Dentistry For Senior Citizens - Blende Dental Group

Because older people have the highest rates of periodontal disease, regular dental care should be an important priority.

Older adults sometimes are not able to keep up with their dental care due to the limitations of a fixed income, lack of mobility or more pressing medical appointments and concerns. The reality, however, is that untreated periodontal disease and tooth decay negatively impact an older person’s overall health status.



Our dental team is frequently asked by patients’ families if it makes sense to invest in the teeth of a person in their 70's, 80's or 90's? Consider this, to remain active and engaged in full lives, older people need strong teeth and gums - to support speech, the enjoyment of food and good conversation. Strong teeth facilitate digestion and deliver essential nutrients to the fragile systems of the older adult.



At Blende Dental Group, we treat aging adults with the same consideration we do all our patients, evaluating each case thoughtfully and individually. While we understand the limitations of a fixed income, we strongly discourage patients and caregivers from “cutting corners'' when it comes to dental maintenance and treatment. If left untreated, periodontal bacteria can enter the blood stream and travel to major organs where it can begin new infections. We know that these infections can lead to serious diseases such as heart disease, stroke, respiratory disease and osteoporosis. These infections threaten patients who may already be compromised by diabetes, high blood pressure or other medical conditions. Without appropriate dental care, the patient suffers from discomfort and is at great risk for serious illness which could lead to an expensive stay in the hospital, admission for convalescent care - or death. Ultimately, to reduce medical complications and costs, and to sustain life enjoyment, dentistry must remain an important part of a general health routine.

Gum Loss and Tooth Decay in Older Patients

The majority of people over age 50 have tooth-root decay or periodontal disease, an infection of the gums or the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth. In fact, nearly 25 percent of all Americans aged 65 and older have lost all of their teeth. Education - coupled with preventative dental care, keeps older patients from suffering from gum disease, bone loss and tooth loss.

Periodontal Disease

There are a number of risk factors that make older adults more susceptible to tooth decay and periodontal disease, including:

• Recessed gums which expose the roots of the teeth
  
  leading to decay and periodontal infection
• Medications that cause side effects such as dry mouth,
  
  soft tissue changes, taste changes and gingival overgrowth
• Compromised immune status
• Diminished salivary flow
• Worsening memory and/or depression resulting in a lack
  
  of daily dental hygiene
• Denture wearers also need to be aware of the potential
  
  for irritation, increased bone loss and infections.

Definitions

Gingivitis is the most common stage of gum disease leading to tooth loss. And it often goes untreated. Gingivitis is caused by plaque (a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on the teeth). These bacteria create toxins that can damage the gums. The gums become red, swollen, and bleed easily but causes little or no discomfort. At this stage, the disease is still reversible with treatment.



When plaque spreads and grows below the gum line it's called Periodontitis - the more advanced stage of gum disease. Toxins produced by the bacteria in plaque irritate the gums. The toxins begin to break down and destroy the tissues and bone that support the teeth. Gums separate further from the teeth, forming pockets (spaces between the teeth and gums) that become infected. As the disease progresses, the pockets deepen and more gum tissue and bone are destroyed. Eventually, the teeth can loosen and fall out, or may have to be removed. Many patients are often not even aware this process is occurring, because there are typically only mild symptoms.