Like the rest of your health, your oral health changes as you age. Taking care of your oral health includes caring for your teeth, gums, throat, tongue, and the bones surrounding your mouth. Keeping each of these areas healthy matters at every age, but caring for your mouth after 65 can look quite different than it did earlier in life.

At Grand Oaks, we understand that maintaining good oral health after 65 can become more challenging. Understanding how oral health changes with age can also help residents, families, and caregivers recognize concerns early and take steps to support overall health and well-being. Read on to learn more.

What Changes About Oral Health After 65?

Seniors face unique challenges in maintaining their oral health, including:

1. Dry mouth (xerostomia): 30% of people over 65 and 40% of those over 80 are affected by dry mouth. A common culprit can be medication, as more than 500 prescription and over-the-counter drugs can reduce saliva production.
2. Root caries: In older age, especially after 65, root caries (tooth decay that occurs on the root) is highly prevalent. This results from gum recession, which exposes the tooth roots. Since the root surfaces are softer than enamel, they decay more easily.
3. Gum disease: Three in five adults over 65 have gum disease. This is a serious oral problem because it is typically painless, so by the time it hurts, the infection may have already reached the bone.
4. Tooth loss: One in ten adults aged 65 to 74 have lost all their teeth, rising to nearly one in five for those aged 75 and older. Seniors at higher risk for tooth loss include those with conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or emphysema.
5. Impairments: Physical, sensory, or cognitive impairments can make oral care more difficult. Challenges may include arthritis that makes a toothbrush too hard to hold, a tremor that makes fine movements difficult, diminished eyesight, and others.
6. Getting to the dentist: Fewer than 40% of adults over 65 have seen a dentist in the past year. Being unable to drive, having no one to ride along, or experiencing dental fear or anxiety are a few of the main causes seniors skip regular dental care.

Oral Care Tips

How seniors care for their smiles should be tailored to their needs. Some tips to get started include:

• Brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes using fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride helps to fight root decay and rebuild weakened tooth enamel.
• Rinsing with water before brushing to moisten dry mouth and make irritated gums more comfortable.
• Rinsing with alcohol-free mouthwash helps prevent dry mouth, protect dental work, and avoid burning sensitive areas when used after brushing.
• Flossing between your teeth daily after you finish eating to help prevent severe gum disease and tooth loss.
• Rinsing after each meal for those with dentures and brushing them daily with a denture cleaner. Before bed, take them out and store them in water.
• Sipping water, sucking on ice chips, and using a humidifier when sleeping for those with dry mouth.
• Limiting snacks and sugary drinks, with fine dining at Grand Oaks to prevent rapid tooth decay.
• Incorporating adaptive tools into your routine to make dental care easier, even with impairments like limited mobility. Tools include an electronic toothbrush, adaptive toothbrush handles, water flossers, and floss holders.
• Attending routine dental appointments twice a year, even if you have dentures!
• Watching for early warning signs of a larger problem.

With so much to keep track of when it comes to oral health after 65, it can be a lot to manage. That is why Grand Oaks is here to support you and your loved one.

Support at Grand Oaks

When your loved one is a resident at Grand Oaks, you can expect a care team that is here for every need and provides support for caregivers.

If you are in search of a care team that prioritizes eliminating barriers to health and well-being for seniors, we would love for you to learn more about what our community has to offer. Reach out to our Grand Oaks team today and see how we provide exceptional care to our residents.

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