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Seniors Oral Health

IntroductionIntroduction

Maintaining healthy teeth and gums at any age is an important part

of preserving your overall good health.

Seniors Oral Health

OverviewOverview

1. Ontario Statistics2. Oral and Overall Health3. Quality of Life4. Good Oral Hygiene5. Possible Complications: Oral

Disease6. Dental Options7. Questions and Answers

Seniors Oral Health

Seniors in OntarioSeniors in Ontario

• Seniors 65 and older now represent 13% of the total population – up from 10% in 2001

• By 2026, it is estimated that there will be more seniors than children

Seniors Oral Health

Seniors in OntarioSeniors in Ontario

• Seniors (65-74) are more likely to be living in a private residence than seniors (85+)

• For those 85 and over:– Males more likely to be living with a spouse– Females more likely to be either living alone or

in a long term care residence

• Seniors 65 and over are among the lowest users of dental services than other age groups

Seniors Oral Health

Oral and Overall HealthOral and Overall Health

• Mounting scientific evidence suggests an association between oral health and overall health– For instance:

• Bacterial plaque may increase the risk of pneumonia• Gum disease can affect diabetes

• Good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups help to preserve your good health

Seniors Oral Health

Seniors and Quality of LifeSeniors and Quality of Life

• Remaining active and living longer– Contributes positively to:• Physical, mental and

social wellbeing

• Preserving your own teeth– Allows you to comfortably: • Speak, eat and socialize

Seniors Oral Health

Good Oral HygieneGood Oral Hygiene

• Protect against oral disease and preserve overall good health by:• Brushing and flossing twice daily • Use fluoride toothpaste• Limit sweets• Visit your dentist regularly

Seniors Oral Health

Oral DiseaseOral Disease

• Tooth Decay– Major cause of tooth loss for all

ages– Why Seniors?• Consume refined

carbohydrates– Sweet foods, drinks or

medications

Seniors Oral Health

Oral DiseaseOral Disease

• Tooth Decay continued– Minimizing Tooth Decay:• Substitute: refined sugars/artificial

sweeteners• Use fluoride to remineralize the surface to

avoid tooth decay• Use anti-bacterial mouth rinse to reduce

level of bacteria in the mouth• Brush and floss twice daily

Seniors Oral Health

Oral DiseaseOral Disease

• Gum Disease– Gingivitis – inflammation of

the gum tissue– Periodontitis – destruction of

bone and the structures supporting the teeth• Common oral problems that

may result in tooth loss• Respond well to proper oral

hygiene routines and treatment by your dentist

Seniors Oral Health

Oral DiseaseOral Disease

• Dry Mouth– Medications common to

seniors may decrease saliva production and cause dry mouth

– Without saliva the mouth and teeth become more susceptible to infections, ulcerations and decay

– Affects: taste, speech, chewing, swallowing, and tolerance to dentures

Seniors Oral Health

Oral DiseaseOral Disease

• Cancer– Can develop in the mouth– More likely to develop in

older adults who smoke or chew tobacco and/or abuse alcohol

– Early diagnosis is crucial– All non-healing sores in the

mouth or changes in voice deserve close attention and monitoring

90-Second Test for Oral Cancer

Seniors Oral Health

Dental OptionsDental Options

• Crowns– Rather than remove a tooth

damaged by decay or accident, a cover – known as a crown or cap – can be placed over the remaining tooth

– Under local anaesthetic, the tooth is reduced in size for the final crown to be cemented onto the tooth

– During your next visit, the permanent crown will be cemented onto your tooth

Illustration of Crown

Seniors Oral Health

Dental OptionsDental Options

• Replacing a lost tooth– Three main types of artificial teeth

– Dental Implants– Dentures– Bridge

Seniors Oral Health

Dental OptionsDental Options

• Dental Implant– Placing metal posts beneath

the gum into jaw– Over the next few months, the

metal posts will fuse to the surrounding bone and serve to anchor replacement teeth, which can now be attached

Seniors Oral Health

Dental OptionsDental Options

• Dentures– A removable or partial denture

replaces all of the lost teeth in the arch

– The denture is held in place by clasping to the remaining adjacent teeth

Seniors Oral Health

Dental OptionsDental Options

• Bridge– Is a replacement that is

cemented to adjacent teeth and cannot be removed

– A unit made up of a false tooth and two crowns is custom made to fill the area of the lost tooth and cemented in place

Seniors Oral Health

Dental OptionsDental Options

• Root Canal– Teeth infected or abscessed can often be saved

by performing root canal treatment– An opening is made in your tooth and the

infected nerve is removed– After most root canal treatments, the patient

will require a crown to support the remaining tooth structure

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QUESTIONS?QUESTIONS?Thank You