March 12, 2017
By: Leonard
Brennan, Co-Director of Harvard University’s Dental Geriatric Fellowship
Program. Reposted from NCOA.org.
We learned the basics of caring for our teeth
and gums as children, but as many people age, their oral hygiene becomes less
of a priority. This often leads to a number of dental problems. Among adults
aged 65+:
- 30% have broken and decayed
teeth
- Over 40% have puffy, infected
gums
- Over 23% have no teeth at all
It’s important for older adults to be aware
that dental problems are more than just pain and/or the inability to chew—in
fact, these are probably the least worrisome. The truth is, poor oral hygiene
can actually put you at risk for many other serious health conditions. Here’s
what you need to know about each.
1. Malnutrition
Teeth that are severely worn, broken down, or
missing make it very difficult for older adults to chew foods like meat,
vegetables, and nuts. They tend to avoid these key sources of nutrients, and instead turn to
foods that are softer and easier to chew and tend to be high in sugar and salt.
Diets lacking protein and important vitamins
and minerals can cause malnutrition, which
can lead to physical deterioration, falls, a weakened immune system,
and chronic conditions like diabetes or heart
disease.
Learn more about how to eat well as you age, as
well as how to recognize and treat malnutrition.
2. Loneliness
The damage from oral diseases can trigger feelings
of personal embarrassment. Our smile is our first introduction to others, and
when it is framed with stained and/or missing teeth, the decline in appearance
causes many seniors to lose self-confidence and avoid social interactions.
“My teeth and gums hurt, and my breath smells
bad. I do not want my family and friends to see me like this. I am so
self-conscious. It’s just terrible,” confesses an older patient named Millie.
Older adults want to feel good, look good, and
be confident. When they don’t, they isolate themselves. This can lead to
loneliness, which has real physical and mental health implications. It affects
mortality, and increases your risk of anxiety, depression, and cognitive
decline.
Learn more about steps you can take to combat loneliness.
3. Illnesses
The same germs that cause gum pain, bad
breath, and tooth decay also have the potential to enter your bloodstream,
travel to other organs in your body, and cause diseases. For example, pus from
swollen gums can migrate to the heart and lungs and induce respiratory
infections like pneumonia. Additionally, conditions like periodontal disease
have been shown to have strong links to other chronic diseases, like heart disease and
cancer.
Make dental care a
priority!
If you’ve been neglecting your oral hygiene,
it’s time to start taking it seriously—because malnutrition, loneliness,
and acute and chronic illnessesare
not things to joke about. Learn how to prevent dental problems as you age by
following these oral health tips.
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