Dental Care for Older Adults

Horizons in Hemophilia, September 2011 

By Cathy Hulbert, LCSW, Social Worker

Because the mouth is a gateway to the rest of the body, its health can impact our quality of life in late adulthood and how long we live. The good news is that people are keeping some or all of their teeth longer, but with that good news comes an increased responsibility to take care of our teeth.

The health of your teeth and gums can affect your heart, joints, lungs, and intestinal tract. We now know that a sick mouth can lead to a sick heart and even compromised joint health, all by way of the bloodstream. The mouth is one of the dirtiest parts of our bodies. Decaying food left in the mouth in a warm, moist environment creates the ideal way for bacteria to grow rapidly. When we brush our teeth, small capillaries just under the gums can give direct access to introduce bacteria from our mouths into the bloodstream.  The bacteria can settle into heart valves, joints, and other major organs and has the potential to cause serious infections. 

Broken teeth, missing teeth and poorly fitted dentures can allow food to escape into the lungs which increases the risk of pneumonia.  This can be dangerous in older people because they are already at higher risk for pneumonia.  Gum disease has also been connected to upper respiratory illness, which can happen when germs from the diseased gums get into the lungs. If your mouth is sore from bad dentures or disease, or if some of your teeth are missing, food is not chewed well and may contribute to indigestion or food getting stuck in the esophagus (the tube that connects your mouth to your stomach). 

Not only can the health of your teeth and gums influence your physical health, but physical ailments can make it harder to care for your teeth and gums, putting people with chronic health conditions at risk of a vicious cycle that can impact your health. 

Here are some tips to make dental care easier for older adults and those with limited movement:

• If you have a hard time holding a toothbrush, put a rubber ball or padded bicycle handle around a toothbrush to make it easier to grip.
  
• If standing at the sink is difficult, sit in front of a mirror and have clean water nearby.
  
• If shoulders or wrists are sore or mobility is limited, try an electric or battery operated toothbrush.  
  
• Everyone should use a special dental rinse to help combat gum disease.
  
• Floss daily. There are many types of dental flossing devices that are available for people with limited range of motion or those who have problems with fine motor movements. Ask your dentist for recommendations. 
  
• Rinse your mouth with water or antiseptic mouth wash to help remove any loose food particles.

For more information about the importance of good dental care, see the following articles:
https://www.perio.org/consumer/healthy-lungs.htm
https://www.aplaceformom.com/senior-care-resources/articles/senior-dental-problems
https://abcnews.go.com/Health/insurance-24-year-dies-toothache/story?id=14438171.