Older Adults and Their Oral Health
Today’s seniors can expect to keep most, if not all, of their
natural teeth as they age thanks to healthier lifestyles and
advances in oral and medical care. But keeping those teeth
healthy can be a challenge.
Restricted mobility, cognitive impairments, and medications
that cause dry mouth can all contribute to oral problems
and complicate treatment. Even more worrisome is the fact
that bacteria from the mouth can travel through the body,
resulting in serious infections and inflammation that can lead to
cardiovascular and respiratory diseases and stroke.
Dental hygienists encourage all older adults to brush their teeth
twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and clean in between their
teeth at least once a day. They also advise anyone with dentures
(full or partial) and their caregivers to clean dentures daily, and
brush and massage the gums either with a soft toothbrush or a
warm damp cloth. Remember to remove dentures overnight to
maintain healthy mouth tissue.
In addition to good daily
mouth and denture
care, all older adults
need to schedule
regular appointments
for professional oral
care. Thanks to the
new Canadian Dental
Care Plan and to
dental hygienists who
operate mobile dental
hygiene practices, it’s
getting easier to do
so. Whether you are
in your own home or in a long-term care residence, you can
receive professional oral health care where you live from dental
hygienists who are committed to keeping you smiling as you age.
For more information, visit dentalhygienecanada.ca/seniors.