35 million of the adult in the US are over the age of 65 and may be referred to as seniors. Here’s some interesting information about the dentist and the oral health of our seniors.

1. Prescriptions-Many seniors are taking over 4 prescriptions daily and several over the counter drugs as needed for pain or discomfort. There are significant drug interactions with dental drugs and it is important to inform your dentist about your updated medical history at every visit. Bring a list of all medications and names of physicians, and notify the dentist if you have had any recent hospitalizations or surgeries in the last 5 years. (If for example, you had an artificial joint such as a hip or knee replaced recently, premedication with antibiotics may be required prior to a professional cleaning or dental extraction.)
2. Dry mouth (Xerostomia) can be one cause of an oral health problem for seniors that makes retention of a denture difficult. Seniors with a dry mouth could have cracked lips, fissured tongue& mucositis. We can discuss artificial saliva substitutes or dental implants to support a denture for patients with these types of problems.
3. Poor Nutrition can result from seniors who are not eating due to painful decayed teeth, inflamed gums or ill-fitting dentures or partials. They may avoid fruits and vegetables and favor softer foods that may stick to teeth longer and cause increase in decay.
4. Root decay is more common for seniors who have receded gums. Roots with decay require fillings to prevent further sensitivity and damage to nerves in these teeth.
5. Oral Cancer can often be detected early in dental exams; 95 percent of all oral cancers occur in people over age 40. Seniors with persistent sores that bleed easily and do not heal, color changes of red/white lesions, lumps, difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking or moving the jaw or tongue, change in way teeth fit together when you close may be indicators of an underlying oral pathology, such as oral cancer.
6. Dependence on Family Members and/or Caregivers- Seniors with depression, stroke, Parkinson’s disease or Alzheimer’s disease may have less interest in seeking dental treatments and/or maintaining good oral health. A caregiver or family member is crucial in supporting the dental care for these types of medically compromised patients. Seniors may have difficulty with transportation and mobility, decreased hearing and increased vision loss may also require special assistance with their dental visits from their loved ones or caregivers.
7. Many of Frederick’s retired seniors are active and independent with their families, friends and social groups. We see many seniors active in sports, church groups, travelling and caring for grandchildren. Active seniors are interested in preserving their best smiles and need to schedule regular dental check-ups!