As we grow older, our bodies undergo various changes. It is a no-brainer that we are more likely to face multiple health complications as time passes, including in our mouths. Oral health is closely linked to overall health. Therefore, by taking care of your dental health, you also take care of your overall health

The changes that occur require specific considerations regarding oral health. Poor oral health can compound other health concerns, especially for older adults. The best way around this would be to maintain a stable oral care regimen, which would impact overall health

NMTBP tells you what you need to know regarding oral care in older adults

Why oral care is important

We use our mouths every day of our lives. To breathe, speak, drink, eat, and do all kinds of activities that can affect the general health of our body. Like the rest of the body’s tissues, teeth and gums age. However, the deterioration of the mouth can be less if more attention is paid to its care. As we get older, the chances of the appearance of different diseases, such as periodontal disease or caries, increase, being favoured by the secondary effects on the mouth of the use of dental prostheses or the taking of certain medications

5 Reasons oral care is important in later life

Infections could be deadly

As mentioned earlier, your oral health can directly impact overall body health. Some of the illnesses that are quite common with old age can be deadly, and some of them can be traced back to oral health. They include:

• Pneumonia

We have bacteria in our bodies, more so in our mouths. If you don’t adhere to a strict dental health plan, your mouth can easily harbour deadly bacteria, which can be aspirated into the lungs. This process might lead to pneumonia, which can be fatal

• Diabetes

Oral infections can increase body sugar levels, potentially leading to diabetes. Although this disease is treatable, it is not curable. This is why it is essential to know how to take good care of your oral health to avoid dealing with diabetes in later life. It’s also important to note that older adults with pre-existing diabetic conditions are at a high risk of getting oral infections, such as gum disease

• Heart disease

There is also another deadly infection known as endocarditis. This happens when an infection from the mouth travels to the inner lining of the heart. Although this is a treatable health concern, it does put a lot of strain on the heart, and it could become deadly if not checked early enough

• Oral cancer

Someone who doesn’t take good care of their oral health may be at risk of getting oral cancer. This type of cancer is often linked to smoking and chewing tobacco, with minimum regard for proper oral hygiene

Dry mouth

Earlier in this post, we mentioned how people tend to consume more medication as they grow older. One of the most common side effects of some of these drugs is dry mouth. This condition occurs when there is less saliva in your mouth, and it can become quite debilitating and uncomfortable if untreated in time. The mouth needs saliva to protect you from various oral infections, such as cavities and gum disease. In addition, chronic dry mouth may affect your ability to taste, chew, and swallow food. Some patients have also reported speech impediments as part of the results. Also, since the patient is unable to eat, taste, or chew food properly, they might develop malnutrition

Gum disease (Periodontitis)

Almost half of all adults aged 30 and older have some form of periodontal disease. Periodontitis, better known as gum disease, is a dangerous condition as it can easily spread to other parts of the body. Besides that, with periodontitis, eating and even drinking fluids may become a painful experienc

Tooth loss

Without a proper oral care plan in mind, you’re at greater risk of losing your teeth as you grow older. According to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly one in every five adults above 65 years have lost their teeth. If you don’t take good care of your oral health, you can easily be on the list of those that suffer from tooth loss. Whenever this happens, not only will you face difficulties in eating a variety of food (such as fruits), but you’ll also have to deal with self-confidence issues due to poor dental aesthetics

Tooth decay

Tooth decay is one of the biggest reasons why oral care is so critical in later life. Without a proper dental hygiene plan, bacteria that would harm the tooth enamel can build up, causing cavities and tooth decay

How to improve your dental health 

It’s never too late to start taking your oral health seriously. Follow the steps below to keep your teeth and gums healthy as you get older

Brush and floss your teeth every day

Brushing and flossing helps remove dental plaque, a sticky film of bacteria (germs). If plaque builds up on your teeth, it can cause tooth decay or gum disease. Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice a day — brush after breakfast and before bed. Floss between your teeth every day – if you have trouble flossing, ask your dentist about using a special brush or pick instead

Watch for changes in your mouth

Your risk of getting oral cancer increases as you get older. If you see any changes in your mouth, it’s important to get them checked out

See a doctor or dentist if you have any of these symptoms for more than 2 weeks:

• A spot in your mouth, lip, or throat that feels uncomfortable or sore
• A lump or thick area in your mouth, lip, or throat
• A white or red patch in your mouth
• Trouble chewing, swallowing, or moving your jaw or tongue
• Numbness in your tongue or mouth
• Swelling in your jaw
• Pain in one ear without hearing loss

See your dentist regularly for a checkup and cleaning

There’s no single rule for how often people need to see the dentist — it varies from person to person. The next time you get a checkup and cleaning, ask your dentist how often you need to come in. Most will advise every six months

Talk to your doctor about dry mouth

As noted, dry mouth means not having enough saliva to keep your mouth wet. Dry mouth can make it hard to eat, swallow, or talk. It can also lead to tooth decay or infection. Dry mouth is a side effect of some medicines. It can also happen if you have certain health problems (like diabetes) or if you’re getting chemotherapy or radiation (treatments for cancer). If you have dry mouth, talk with your doctor or dentist and ask what you can do

Build healthy habits

• Eat healthy and cut down on sugary foods and drinks. This can help prevent tooth decay — and it’s good for your overall health.
• Don’t smoke or use other tobacco products. Smoking cigarettes, chewing tobacco, or using snuff puts you at higher risk for oral cancer. Smoking also increases your risk for gum disease
• If you smoke, make a plan to quit. If you’re not sure where to start, check out Cancer Research’s advice
• If you drink alcohol, drink only in moderation — that means 1 drink or less in a day for women and 2 drinks or less in a day for men. Heavy drinking increases your risk of oral cancer.

The bottom line

Although you tend to have more oral health concerns as you get older, they are manageable. Having a consistent oral care routine and regular visits to a caring dentist or orthodontist for checkups can help one maintain your bright, natural smile, and your overall oral health, for longer