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Older Adult Oral Care

By 2060, according to the US Census, the number of US adults aged 65 years or older is expected to reach 98 million, 24% of the overall population. Older Americans with the poorest oral health tend to be economically disadvantaged, lack insurance, ethnic minorities, smokers over the age of 50, disabled, homebound or in a nursing home. Many older Americans do not have dental insurance due to loss of benefits upon retirement and since the federal Medicare program does not cover routine dental care. Advancing age puts many seniors at risk for a number of oral health problems, such as:

  • Untreated tooth decay. Nearly all adults (96%) aged 65 years or older have had a cavity; 1 in 5 have untreated tooth decay.
  • Darkened teeth. Caused by changes in dentin (bone-like tissue underneath the tooth enamel) and thinning of the outer enamel layer that results from consuming stain-causing foods/drinks.
  • Dry mouth. Caused by reduced saliva flow, which occurs with certain diseases and medication side effects. Reduced saliva flow also increases the risk of cavities.
  • Diminished sense of taste. Advancing age, diseases, medications, and dentures can contribute to diminished sense of taste.
  • Root decay. Caused by exposure of the tooth root to decay-causing acids. When tooth roots become exposed as gum tissue recedes, the roots do not have any enamel to protect them and are more prone to decay than the crown part of the tooth.
  • Gum disease. A high percentage of older adults have gum disease. About 2 in 3 (68%) adults aged 65 years or older have gum disease.
  • Tooth loss. Nearly 1 in 5 of adults aged 65 or older have lost all of their teeth. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss. Complete tooth loss is twice as prevalent among adults aged 75 and older (26%) compared with adults aged 65-74 (13%).  Missing teeth or wearing dentures can affect nutrition since people without teeth, or with dentures, often prefer soft, easily chewed foods, instead of foods like fresh fruits and vegetables.
  • Uneven jawbone. Missing teeth causes the rest of the teeth to drift and shift into open spaces.
  • Denture-inflammation. Caused by ill-fitting dentures, poor dental hygiene, or a buildup of fungus (Candida albicans) can cause inflammation of tissue under dentures.
  • Thrush. Diseases or drugs that affect the immune system can trigger an overgrowth of fungus (Candida albicans) in the mouth.
  • Oral cancer. Cancers of the mouth occur mostly in older adults; with the average age around 62.
  • Chronic disease. People with chronic diseases such as arthritis, diabetes, heart diseases, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are more likely to develop gum disease, but less likely to get dental care than adults without these chronic conditions.

On March 2, 2023 Thursday, from 11:00am-12:00pm (after the Rambling Roses meeting) Dr. Michelle Dziurgot, D.D.S. will present a lecture on Dental Conditions for Seniors. Light luncheon will be provided. Please RSVP to the Parish Office at 586-254-4433 or Marilyn Cito, Parish Nurse at 586-254-4433 #Ext. 320 or via email at Marilync@stol.church.  

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