Special Oral Health Concerns for Seniors

Many seniors are now enjoying great smiles and good chewing ability all the way in to their 90’s. However, some are not doing so well because of some special risk factors that are not so obvious. Some seniors have trouble brushing and flossing effectively if they lose strength or dexterity. Couple this factor with short term memory loss, and the home care routines we depend on to maintain oral health can be severely compromised. It is critical that caregivers arrange special home care on a daily basis to maintain health.

Click here for our article about dry mouth, known as xerostomia. Some seniors are taking a number of medicines, often meds that dry the mouth. Let us know if you experience dry mouth, so we can give you an assortment of Biotene products such as artificial saliva, special toothpaste, and xylitol gum to reduce risk of decay.

The dietary risks of decay and periodontal disease are often misunderstood. It isn’t the amount of carbohydrates you consume, it is the frequency and duration. Oral bacteria can use the smallest sip or nibble of any food or beverage containing carbohydrates (not just sugar) to make acid waste for 20-30 minutes, which can take up to two hours to clear. Eat what you want at a meal, because the bacteria get saturated and cannot use more than a tiny part of what you eat. Focus on reducing sipping and nibbling entirely between meals to reduce risk for decay. This can be challenging with memory loss, and for those who have diabetes and need more small meals each day.

    by Keith Collins, DMD