Oral Health in Older Adults: Everything You Need to Know
Older adults are a distinct patient group requiring a tailored approach and effective dental care. Depending on the level of cooperation and the complexity of the situation, dental treatment may take place in a clinic under local anaesthesia, or in a hospital surgical setting under sedation or general anaesthesia.
Maintaining oral hygiene in older adults helps prevent complications such as difficulty chewing, bad breath, tooth loss, and other dental problems. In some cases, complications arise in the mouth due to an underlying condition or medication. For example, people on antiepileptic treatment may develop gingival hyperplasia with accompanying gingivitis, while people with Down syndrome are prone to developing periodontitis.
With appropriate preventive dental care and treatment, these conditions can either be delayed or, if they do occur, managed effectively. For individuals with special needs, regular dental check-ups and personalised preventive care are essential. Continuous oral care is required even when the person is unable to attend to their own oral hygiene.
As we age, the risk increases for periodontal disease, root surface caries, tooth loss, and partial or complete denture fracture. Compared to the past, however, there is now far more information available about the steps you can take to stay healthy as you get older. The key is early detection of signs related to oral health problems and prevention before they develop. Periodontal disease is very common and can be an indicator of other conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and osteoporosis — though it is straightforward to diagnose at your regular dental check-up.
How Healthy Gums Become Inflamed
Periodontal disease is caused by plaque, a colourless film of bacteria and microorganisms that forms on the teeth. Plaque uses sugars and starches from food to produce acids in the mouth. These acids and bacteria irritate the gums, causing them to become red, sensitive and swollen, and to bleed easily. Over time, the gums pull away from the tooth surfaces, creating pockets that fill with harmful bacteria. Left untreated, these pockets deepen, destroying the bone that supports the teeth, leading to tooth loss and chronic inflammation that can spread through the bloodstream. Regular dental visits for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease are essential for the long-term preservation of natural teeth and overall health.
How to Keep Your Teeth and Gums Clean and Healthy
Maintaining clean and healthy teeth and gums is just as important as eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly. Good oral hygiene means daily care and regular dental visits.
Daily care guidelines for teeth and gums:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day
- Use fluoride toothpaste and spit it out without rinsing
- Use floss or interdental brushes once a day
- Avoid tobacco products and limit alcohol consumption
Regular dental visits help through:
- Monitoring and managing periodontal disease
- Tracking the progress of your home oral care routine
- Prescribing mouth rinses that support the treatment of oral conditions
- Professional removal of bacterial plaque through cleaning
- Early detection of periodontal disease, bone loss and cavities through X-ray examination
- Screening for oral cancer
Thelma Xanthopoulou
Periodontist and Implantologist, DDS, MSc.
Attalias 61, Nikaia. Tel: 2104932229, 6983930987
email: thelmaxan@yahoo.gr
Thelma was born in 1993 in Chaidari and graduated from the School of Dentistry at Comenius University in Bratislava. She worked as an assistant at the Periodontology Clinic of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. In 2018 she received her Master of Science in Periodontology and Implantology from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. She has since been working at her private practice in Nikaia. She is a member of the European Federation of Periodontology, the Hellenic Society of Periodontology, and the Laser Society Helsola.
