Understanding Tooth Loss as We Age

In the past, people fully expected to lose their teeth as they aged and have them replaced by dentures. However, with the longer life expectancies of today comes an emphasis on maintaining a robust program of oral hygiene well into our later years. 

We’ll explore the ongoing problem of tooth loss in the elderly, and look at how and why it happens, the consequences, and some preventative measures to ensure you're able to enjoy life to the fullest with a full smile during your later years. 

Causes of Elderly Tooth Loss

The main cause of tooth loss as we age is a gradual decline in our oral hygiene routine. People may begin to deal with chronic medical conditions as they age, and maintaining an oral hygiene routine can seem less important. There are also medications used often by the elderly that are associated with tooth decay, like some high blood pressure medications, opioid pain medications, and Parkinson’s disease medications.

As we age, we also can become forgetful. People may forget to brush and floss regularly, and this can also open the door to tooth decay. Once you open the door, the associated plaque accumulation will ensure that gingivitis and tooth decay become a recurring problem.

Gum recession and certain dental conditions and diseases can also become a problem as we get older. Dental caries, periodontitis, and gingivitis are all more prevalent as we age, and maintaining a program of oral hygiene is crucial. 

We can also find ourselves on a fixed and limited income as we age and have to make choices about our expenditures. As a result, dental checkups can feel like less of a priority. 

Consequences of Elderly Tooth Loss

Tooth loss is a major concern of caretakers of older people. It's progressive in nature. When one tooth is affected, it can affect the surrounding remaining teeth and can affect the jaw structure by inviting infection. 

Tooth loss can also present nutritional challenges when people have difficulties chewing and lose their appetites or simply refuse to eat. It can also cause problems even when people want to eat. When food isn't chewed properly, it remains undigested as it enters your intestines. This presents a breeding ground for bacteria, which can lead to abdominal pain, cramps, bloating and other digestive issues. 

Maintaining self-esteem becomes an issue as we age, and tooth loss adds to the problem. The effects of tooth loss on one's appearance can lead to both social and psychological issues and, in some cases, can cause depression. This can further impact the drive to maintain an oral hygiene routine. 

Preventative Measures

Encouraging the elderly to maintain a beneficial oral hygiene routine is crucial, both for preserving the teeth and for providing a positive routine that can improve their physical and mental health. 

Regular dentist visits every 6-12 months are also vital for preventing tooth loss. A person on a fixed income can recognize the economic logic of maintaining something in working order instead of allowing it to become damaged and having to spend more to fix it. This is the logic you should use to encourage them to visit the dentist.

Encourage them to brush their teeth at least twice a day using fluoride toothpaste. Flossing becomes more important as we age, as gaps can develop between our teeth and provide a place for food particles to hide. Interdental brushes also work well to clean these gaps. 

Denture wearers should remove their dentures after every meal and clean them thoroughly. This is particularly important for people who wear partial dentures. Cleaning the dentures after every meal prevents bacteria from attacking your natural teeth. Soak the dentures overnight in clean water. This gives the gums and soft palate tissues a chance to rest. If your elderly loved one is facing the need to replace their dentures, dental implants for elderly people are growing in popularity. They can provide a better fit and less maintenance.   

Schedule Dental Visits and Cleanings at BDMS

To preserve your smile well into your later years, establish a regular wellness routine for your teeth that includes an oral hygiene program, scheduled dental visits, and regular cleanings at BDMS Wellness Clinic. Make your appointment today.