Why is Good Oral Hygiene Especially Important For Older Adults?

Taking care of your teeth and gums is a lifelong commitment, and keeping up with your oral hygiene is especially important for older adults. Taking care of your oral health is about more than having a beautiful smile, but it’s also important because your teeth and gums are directly connected to heart health, cognitive function, diabetes management, and overall quality of life.

How Aging Affects Oral Health

As we get older, maintaining good oral health requires a more tailored approach. Years of daily use gradually wears down tooth enamel, gum tissue recedes, and roots become exposed, which makes teeth more sensitive and susceptible to decay. If you have questions or concerns about your teeth, gums, or overall oral health, contact Marzban, DDS, by filling out our online form or calling us at 703-323-8200 to schedule an appointment at our office in Burke, Virginia.

Dry Mouth

Dry mouth (xerostomia) affects an estimated 30% of adults over age 65, making it a common concern among older individuals. Saliva is your mouth’s natural defense system because it washes away food particles, reduces acid buildup, and helps prevent infections. When your saliva production decreases, your teeth lose this crucial protection. Dry mouth is a common side effect of several prescription and over-the-counter medications. Some of these medications include ones for, high blood pressure, depression, cholesterol, and pain management. If you take multiple daily medications, your risk of experiencing dry mouth increases significantly.

Gum Disease

Periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease, is a significant concern among older adults. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and studies by the American Dental Association (ADA) show that between 60% to 68% of adults aged 65 and older have some form of gum disease (gingivitis). Over time, plaque and tartar can build up along the gumline, and this buildup irritates the gums, which causes them to become red, swollen, and prone to bleeding. As gum disease progresses, the gums can begin to pull away from the teeth, exposing the roots, which lack the hard protective enamel that covers the crowns of the teeth. This is known as the gum recession. Due to the recession in the gums, they’re often sensitive to hot and cold temperatures, and exposed roots are much more vulnerable to decay. As a result of gum recession, these areas are often sensitive to hot and cold temperatures, and the exposed roots are significantly more vulnerable to decay.

Tooth Decay & Cavities

Receding gums combined with dry mouth are an ideal environment for cavities to develop. With less saliva available to wash away bacteria and neutralize acids, decay can quickly build up on the exposed roots of the teeth. Adults who already have fillings or crowns may also be more likely to develop decay around the edges of these older fillings.

The Mouth-Body Connection

When gum disease is present, bacteria that builds up in the mouth can enter the bloodstream and potentially affect other parts of the body. For older adults, poor oral hygiene can exacerbate existing medical conditions and increase the risk of developing new ones.

Oral Hygiene & Heart Health

Research shows a strong association between severe gum disease and heart disease. When you have inflamed, bleeding gums, harmful bacteria can enter your bloodstream, and this bacteria can travel to your heart. This inflammation can contribute to conditions like endocarditis which is an infection of the inner lining of the heart. Oral bacteria can contribute to the buildup of plaque in your arteries, increasing your risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Oral Health Tips for Adults

Here are simple steps to maintain good oral health.

Brush & Floss Daily

Properly flossing and brushing daily is your first line of defense. It’s important to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss once a day. Don’t use toothbrushes with hard bristles because they can damage your gums and wear away your tooth enamel, especially if your roots are exposed. Flossing removes plaque from areas your toothbrush can’t reach. If traditional floss is hard to handle, try using a water flosser because it’s easier to grip and maneuver.

Never Skip Dental Check-Ups

Bi-annual dental visits for cleanings and exams are important preventative measures to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Professional cleanings remove the hardened tartar that you can’t brush away on your own. Dr. Marzban will monitor your mouth for signs of decay, oral cancer, gum disease, gum recession, bite and jaw alignment, and assess any existing fillings. Diagnosing dental issues early is not only important to make sure they are treated early, but also for your overall health.

Schedule an Appointment at Marzban, DDS in Burke, Virginia

Contact Marzban, DDS at 703-323-8200 or fill out our online form to schedule a dental check-up. We serve Burke, Fairfax, Fairfax Station, and Northern Virginia, and are conveniently located in the Kings Park Professional Building.

FAQs

• Why do gums recede with age?

  Gum recession progresses as we get older if the underlying condition is not corrected (ie aggressive brushing or unbalanced bite).

• How often should older adults visit the dentist?

  It’s recommended older adults visit the dentist at least twice a year, or more often if there are ongoing dental concerns or chronic conditions.

• Can gum disease be reversed in older adults?

  Recession can't be reversed but it can be corrected by doing a tissue graft.

• Does oral health affect overall health?

  Oral health is closely linked to overall health. Poor oral hygiene can lead to bacteria buildup, gum disease, and cavities, which causes inflammation in the mouth that spreads the inflammatory response throughout the body, and increases risks for bigger conditions like worsening heart disease and affecting regulation of blood sugar.