Senior Dental Health Care is Often Overlooked

Many of us are going to have to face the challenges of taking care of our aging parents. I am currently at the age where my parents can take care of themselves 100%. But I know those years are limited as they approach their eighties. One of our many responsibilities as children is to make sure our parents get adequate health care, and an integral part of that is their senior dental health care. As a practicing dentist for over 20 years, I have noticed many patients bringing their elderly parents into my office for exams because the parent is complaining of pain. Upon examining the elderly patient, I noticed that their dental care has been neglected for years. Senior dental problems can be common, they can range from dry mouth to periodontal disease to root decay. All of these issues can impact the health of the rest of the body and need to be taken seriously. Taking care of your parent’s teeth is just as important as taking care of their overall health. Without proper mastication and digestion, nutrients cannot be absorbed into their body and the elderly can become malnourished.

There are many reasons why senior dental health care is vitally important. First and foremost is that research has shown us over the years that there is a clear connection between gum disease and heart disease. Elderly patients with periodontal disease are almost twice as likely to have heart disease or coronary artery disease.

Pneumonia is another disease linked to poor oral health and periodontal disease. With the high level of bacteria in the mouth the bacterial droplets from the mouth go into the lungs and can cause pneumonia. Diabetes also has a direct link to severe gum disease. A patient who has periodontal disease has a decreased ability to use insulin. High blood sugar, which is an effect of diabetes, can lead to gum infections as well.

Many elderly patients have to take numerous medications and their side effects include dry mouth. Saliva not only keeps the mouth wet but it protects the teeth from decay and prevents gum infections by controlling bacteria, viruses, and fungi in the mouth. Biotene is an excellent product for elderly patients to use to combat dry mouth. One of the biggest side effects of dry mouth is root decay. As the roots of the teeth become more exposed over the years, the rate of dental decay  increases  due to the poor oral hygiene as well as the porosity of the roots.

Regular dental visits and cleaning for the patients is a must, but it does not stop there. Home care needs to be emphasized and reminded to the patients on a daily basis. Suggestions to improve oral home care at home include brushing twice a day with an electric toothbrush and a heavy fluoridated  toothpaste, and also rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash once or twice a day. Cleaning the patient’s full or partial dentures daily decreases the chance of a fungal infection. Drinking plenty of tap water, which does contain fluoride, is beneficial. Eating a healthy and well balanced diet that includes dairy and high fiber foods, as well as proper dental hygiene will improve longevity in the elderly patient.

If you have a parent that you feel may be neglecting their oral health care, it would be a great time to schedule an examination to evaluate their needs.

Contact Dr James P. Tasto at 858-449-1776 or visit our website.
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Born and raised in San Diego, Dr. James Tasto attended University of San Diego High School where he lettered in both golf and wrestling. After earning a Bachelors in Science from Loyola Marymount University, Dr. Tasto graduated from University of Southern California Dental School with an emphasis on cosmetics and sports dentistry.  Dr. James Tasto was selected by his peers to be included in the List of Top Dentists in San Diego for 2007 – 2013.  He appeared in the May issue of San Diego Magazine.  Dr. Tasto is also a member of D.O.C.S. (Doctors Offering Charitable Services), a local organization that offers medical services such as plastic surgery, vision and dental to the less fortunate patients in San Diego.  Dr. Tasto currently resides in San Diego with his lovely wife Traci and their 3 children. He enjoys golf, beach volleyball and playing with his kids.