Dental Care for Older Adults

Basic Care

Dental care for older people is much the same as for younger adults. But older adults do have concerns that younger adults do not. These may include:

• Caring for dentures.
• Having trouble holding a toothbrush.
• Having gum disease.
• Having tooth decay on the roots of teeth.
• Replacing missing teeth and broken fillings.

Caregivers can help remind the people they are caring for to brush and floss their teeth or to clean their dentures. In some cases, caregivers may need to do the brushing and other care. People who have trouble using their hands or who have dementia may need this extra help.

Keeping teeth and gums healthy

To keep your teeth and gums healthy:

• Brush and floss your teeth every day.

  Brush the teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice a day—in the morning and at night—and floss at least once a day.

  Plaque can quickly build up on the teeth of older adults.

• Watch for the signs of gum disease.

  These signs include gums that bleed after brushing or after eating hard foods, such as apples.

• See a dentist regularly.

  Many experts recommend checkups every 6 months.

• Keep the dentist up to date on any new medicines you are taking.
• Eat healthy foods.

  Eat a balanced diet that includes whole grains, vegetables, and fruits, and that is low in saturated fat and sodium. Good nutrition is vital to maintaining healthy gums and avoiding tooth decay.

• Avoid using tobacco products.

  They can affect dental and general health.

• Seek financial help if you cannot afford dental care.

  Many older adults have a fixed income and feel that they can't afford dental care. But most towns and cities have programs in which dentists help older adults by reducing fees. Contact your area's public health offices or social services for information about dental care in your community.

Making brushing more comfortable

Older adults with arthritis sometimes have trouble brushing their teeth because they can't easily hold the toothbrush. Their hands and fingers may be stiff, painful, or weak. If this is the case:

• Use an electric toothbrush.
• Enlarge the handle of a non-electric toothbrush by wrapping a sponge, an elastic bandage, or adhesive tape around it.
• Push the toothbrush handle through a ball made of rubber or soft foam.
• Make the handle longer and thicker by taping Popsicle sticks or tongue depressors to it.

You may also be able to buy specially designed toothbrushes, toothpaste dispensers, and floss holders.

Your doctor may recommend a soft-bristle toothbrush if you or the person you care for bleeds easily. Bleeding can happen because of a health problem or from certain medicines.

A toothpaste for sensitive teeth may help if you or the person you care for has sensitive teeth.