This World Smile Day, take a moment to evaluate the oral health of you or a senior loved one. Poor oral hygiene in seniors increases the risk of tooth decay, tooth loss, and gingivitis. It can also increase the risk for more serious health conditions, including cancer. To help prevent such negative effects of poor oral hygiene, learn the risks and proper dental hygiene tips for seniors.
The Risks of Poor Oral Hygiene for Seniors
Cavities, tooth loss, and gum disease are perhaps the most well-known risks of poor oral care. However, seniors may experience several dental health issues, such as the following, according to the National Institute on Aging (NIA):
- Dry mouth (xerostomia) can occur due to bacterial overgrowth or gum disease, and it can increase the risk of cavities. It’s also often a side effect of medications and can make eating and speaking difficult due to the lack of saliva.
- Tooth loss (edentulism) can make it difficult to eat, often affecting a senior’s confidence. It also carries an unexpected risk: a 2021 study indicates a link between tooth loss and dementia, and this risk increases with the number of lost teeth. However, using dentures helps reduce the risk.
- Gingivitis (gum inflammation) symptoms include red, swollen gums that may bleed easily. It is reversible; however, it can lead to gum disease if not treated.
- Gum disease (periodontitis) causes separation between the teeth and gums and can lead to root decay. It also increases a senior’s risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s.
- Oral cancer risk increases in seniors with poor oral hygiene. The bacteria in the mouth can increase the cancer-causing potential of known carcinogens, such as tobacco and alcohol, according to recent studies.
Dental Care for Seniors
To make dental health easier for seniors, the American Dental Association (ADA) offers specific guidelines for oral care. To maintain a healthy smile, be sure to start implementing the following oral hygiene tips for seniors.
Brush Twice a Day
Before you brush your teeth, the ADA recommends rinsing your mouth to loosen any food as a primary step in oral care for seniors. Brush for a full two minutes, focusing on each quadrant of your mouth for 30 seconds to make sure each tooth is clean.
Dentists recommend fluoride toothpaste to prevent cavities, but it’s important to use the right dose. For many, over-the-counter fluoride toothpaste works well. However, seniors with a higher risk of tooth or root decay may need prescription toothpaste with a higher amount of fluoride.
Seniors who have trouble holding and using a toothbrush will benefit from using an electric toothbrush, which does a lot of the brushing for them. Many electric toothbrushes are even timed to run for two minutes and buzz every 30 seconds to signal when you need to switch quadrants.
If your loved one needs more assistance, you can look for a universal grip aide. These slide onto the toothbrush handle and have a second band for seniors to slip their hand into.
Floss Daily
Many people don’t floss regularly because they simply don’t like it or don’t think it’s very effective. When it comes to cleaning between the teeth (interdental cleaning), it’s important to consider any option that sticks. Interdental cleaning options include:
- Interdental brushes
- Plastic floss picks
- Water flossing devices
Consult a dentist to find an option that works. Many dentists know that seniors may struggle with small, thin items like floss, especially if they have arthritis, so they make sure to prioritize finding a suitable option.
Rinse with Mouthwash
Mouthwash should be used after brushing and flossing to be most effective. If you or a loved one has gingivitis or gum disease, the ADA recommends an antimicrobial mouthrinse to reduce bacteria and help prevent gum disease.
Keep Dentures Clean
If you or your senior loved one has partial or full dentures, it’s recommended to clean them in the morning and evening—whenever you brush your teeth. It’s recommended to use an ADA-approved denture cleanser to make sure it has the right ingredients to kill harmful bacteria.
Seniors should not wear dentures while napping or sleeping since they can dislodge and pose a choking hazard. Instead, store them in a cup of water and rinse them before wearing them again.
Make Healthy Choices When Possible
What seniors consume can have a great impact on oral health. Browse this list of dentist-recommended lifestyle changes for improved oral health:
- Quit smoking. Tobacco products can increase the risk of oral cancer and other common adverse effects, including gingivitis and enamel erosion, according to the ADA.
- Limit alcohol. Alcohol is another known carcinogen and can have a greater impact on seniors with certain dental conditions like dry mouth or gingivitis, especially when combined with tobacco use.
- Avoid sugary food and drinks. Research shows that sugar increases the likelihood of cavities, especially for seniors with dry mouth.
- See your dentist twice a year. Routine cleanings and x-rays can help prevent cavities and gum disease and catch any early signs of periodontal disease. To find a dentist in your area, use the Find-a-Dentist tool on the ADA website.
Check Your Mouth for Changes
Oral cancer can have noticeable signs, so it’s crucial to see a dentist or doctor if you or a loved one notice any changes. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research recommends seeing a doctor if you notice any of the following oral cancer symptoms for more than two weeks:
- A sore or lump anywhere in your mouth, lips, neck, or throat
- Difficulty chewing, speaking, swallowing, or moving your tongue or jaw
- Ear pain
- Mouth pain or bleeding
- Noticeable white or red patches
- Sore throat or hoarse voice
- Swelling or numbness
Dental Health for Seniors Who Need Assistance
A senior loved one may need assistance with their oral hygiene for a couple of reasons, including:
- Physical limitations. Arthritis or limited mobility can make it difficult for a loved one to clean their teeth thoroughly. Assistive devices, like a universal grip aide, can help. But in some cases, you or a caregiver may need to brush and floss for them.
- Cognitive limitations. Seniors with Alzheimer’s or another form or dementia may have trouble remembering to brush their teeth. In some cases, a simple reminder may help. However, as memory loss progresses, they’ll likely need hands-on help from a caregiver. Caregivers can also help spot any changes in the mouth that a senior with dementia may not mention on their own.
Support for Oral Hygiene from Senior Care Providers
Oral hygiene is an activity of daily living (ADL)—a self-care task that should be done every day to maintain optimal health. If your loved one needs help, they might benefit from caregiver assistance.
This can be provided by you, however, if it becomes difficult due to increasing care needs on top of other obligations, it might be time to consider senior care.
An in-home caregiver or a caregiver in an assisted living or memory care community can provide support with ADLs to help your senior loved one lead a healthier lifestyle.
At Sunrise Senior Living, each senior receives a individualized care plan to support their unique needs. If you have any questions about how we support seniors who need help with oral health care or other ADLs, please reach out to a Sunrise community near you. Our team members are happy to answer any of your questions.
References
[1] National Institute on Aging. National Institutes of Health. (2024, August 8). Taking care of your teeth and mouth.
[2] Qi, X., Zhu, Z., Plassman, B., & Wu, B. (2021, September 24). Dose-response meta-analysis on tooth loss with the risk of cognitive impairment and dementia. Journal of the American Medical Directors Association.
[3] American Academy of Periodontology. Gum disease and older adults.
[4] Mathur, R., Singhavi, H. R., Malik, S., & Chaturvedi, P. (2018, December 7). Role of poor oral hygiene in causation of oral cancer—a review of literature. Indian Journal of Surgical Oncology.
[5] American Dental Association. (2024, August 8). Home oral care.
[6] MouthHealthy. American Dental Association. The caregiver’s guide to dental health.
[7] National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. National Institutes of Health. (2024, November). Oral cancer.