Healthy Mouths Make for Healthy Bodies

American Geriatrics Society

Oral hygiene is important at every age, but for aging seniors, proper dental care is an even bigger concern. Daily mouth care is no different for seniors; brushing twice daily, flossing and visits to a dentist twice a year are a good start on the road to a healthy mouth.

"The mouth is a place that is often overlooked by seniors and their caregivers. It's not seen as a priority because of other looming health problems," says Barbara Resnick, M.D., member of the American Geriatrics Society. "Other problems are easier to see because they are visible, but problems in the mouth are hidden and not always as obvious, but are just as, if not more, important to treat than other ailments."

According to Dr. Resnick, there are key signs that caregivers should watch for that could indicate the need to see a dentist. Early diagnosis can help prevent more serious health problems caused by poor oral hygiene, such as gingivitis and pneumonia.

• Malignancies. It's important to pay attention to changes in the oral tissue of seniors, especially among smokers. Growths, patches or lesions in the mouth could be signs of more serious problems and should be brought to the attention of a health care provider right away.
  
  
• Dentures. Check for broken or missing pieces, or dentures that no longer fit. Often times, older adults lose body fat, which changes the way dentures fit and can cause mouth pain and discomfort.
  
  
• Dry mouth. As we age, saliva production lessens and causes dryness and discomfort of the mouth. Dry mouth is also a common side effect of many medications.
  
  
• Bad breath. This is often an embarrassing topic for many people to address but it can serve as an indicator for more serious health problems.

"As adults age, simple tasks such as brushing or flossing become difficult due to physical and cognitive changes that occur. There are a variety of products available for seniors who suffer from arthritis, for example, to make the daily task of basic oral care easier," says Dr. Resnick.

Dr. Resnick offers older adults the following tips for healthy oral hygiene.

• Brush and floss twice a day. Basic oral hygiene doesn't differ much from that of younger adults. However, due to aging health issues, such as arthritis, these tasks often become more difficult and as a result, may be avoided. Other options include electric toothbrushes or toothbrushes with larger handles for easier gripping. Floss holders have also made flossing easier.
  
  
• Use an oral rinse. Mouthwash or oral rinses are a good addition to a senior’s oral hygiene routine. A simple rinse with water or a salt solution, using one teaspoon of salt in one quart of water, can be very effective. Do not use mouthwashes with alcohol, as they tend to dry out the mouth. A health care provider could offer suggestions for the best oral rinse available for specific patients.
  
  
• Proper denture care. Older adults who wear dentures should take special care of their dentures to avoid infections. Dentures should be cleaned after each meal and should be brushed and thoroughly cleaned once a day, in addition to soaking overnight.

Founded in 1942, the American Geriatrics Society is a nationwide, not-for-profit association of geriatrics health care professionals dedicated to improving the health, independence, and quality of life of all older people. The Society supports this mission through activities in clinical practice, professional and public education, research, and public policy. With an active membership of over 6,500 health care professionals, the Society has become a pivotal force in shaping attitudes, policies, and practices in geriatric medicine.