As we get older, our teeth and gums need more care and attention than ever. Just like joints, muscles, and skin, our mouths change with age. Medications, chronic conditions, and reduced dexterity can all also impact senior teeth health.
Knowing how to care for your smile in your golden years can help you avoid discomfort, preserve your teeth, and protect your overall senior health. Fortunately, a few smart tweaks to your daily routine can go a long way.
Keep reading for 14 senior dental care tips to help you keep your smile bright, healthy, and confident as you age.
How Senior Teeth Health Changes with Age
Aging can affect your mouth more than you might realize:
- Enamel wears down over the years, leaving teeth more sensitive and prone to cavities.
- Gums recede, exposing more tooth surface that can lead to decay and pain.
- Saliva production slows, especially with certain medications, leading to dry mouth and excessive plaque.
Chronic health conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis can also influence dental health in seniors. For example, arthritis may make brushing a challenge and diabetes can raise your risk of gum disease. And the connection goes both ways: poor oral health can make other conditions worse, like:
- Heart disease and stroke: Gum disease is strongly associated with cardiovascular issues. Studies suggest people with gum disease are about 28% more likely to have a heart attack and three times more likely to have a stroke.
- Type II diabetes: There is a two-way relationship between diabetes and senior dental care. Diabetes increases the risk of gum disease, and in turn, ongoing gum inflammation, and untreated gum disease may worsen insulin resistance.
- Certain cancers: Researchers believe there may be a link between bacteria in the mouth and the overgrowth of cancer cells. In one study, men with gum disease showed significantly higher risks of developing kidney cancer (49%), pancreatic cancer (54%), and blood cancers (30%).
- GI issues and IBD: Researchers have observed overlaps between periodontal inflammation and gut inflammation. Oral bacteria may influence the gut microbiome and worsen conditions like Crohn’s disease.
- Kidney concerns: Gum disease has been tied to higher rates of chronic kidney disease, liver cirrhosis, osteoporosis, and metabolic conditions like obesity.
- Cognitive decline: Some studies show a link between periodontitis and cognitive decline. One study in particular found a 6x faster decline in Alzheimer’s patients with gum disease than without.
Trouble chewing can also lead to poor nutrition, weight loss, and fatigue. Keeping your teeth healthy isn’t just about your smile; it’s about your whole well-being. Focusing on strong senior dental care is key to staying well-nourished and feeling your best.
14 Smart Steps for Senior Dental Care
Here are some easy and practical tips (that go beyond “brush and floss”) to help you care for your teeth as you age.
1. Switch to a Soft-Bristled Electric Toothbrush
A soft-bristled electric toothbrush is gentle on aging gums and does all the hard work of brushing for you. Electric brushes can be easier to hold if you have arthritis or hand weakness, making them a game-changer for senior teeth care. Some electric brushes, like Oral-B iO2, even have pressure sensors that display different colors if you’re brushing too hard or light to help protect your teeth.
2. Stay on Top of Dry Mouth
Dry mouth is common antagonist to senior dental care, especially for those adults suffering from autoimmune conditions. It can lead to bad breath, discomfort, and even tooth decay and loss.
To combat dry mouth, sip water throughout the day, chew sugar-free gum, and use moisturizing mouth sprays. Your doctor may even prescribe higher-strength mouthwashes or sprays if you’re struggling with dry mouth; if so, GoGo Pharmacy can have your prescriptions delivered right to your door. Learn more here.
3. Upgrade Your Floss Game
Flossing is one of the most important parts of a senior dental care routine, but traditional floss can be hard to maneuver, especially for seniors with arthritis. Make it easier with floss picks or an electric water flosser.
4. Check Your Medications
Many prescriptions can cause dry mouth or increase your risk of gum problems. Review your medications with your doctor or pharmacist and ask if any swaps or changes could help make your mouth healthier and more comfortable.
5. Schedule Regular Cleanings and Checkups
Preventive care is key to senior teeth health. Routine dental visits help catch small issues before they become big problems.
If getting to the dentist is a challenge, GoGo Rides can provide safe, reliable transportation to and from appointments, without the stress of driving yourself. Learn more about GoGo Rides here.
6. Clean Dentures Daily (And Give Them a Break at Night)
Dentures need just as much care as natural teeth to support senior health and comfort. If you wear dentures, clean them daily with a non-abrasive cleaner and soak them overnight. Take them out while sleeping to give your gums a rest and prevent infections, unless otherwise specified by a dentist. Ask your dentist how to properly care for your specific dentures.
7. Watch for Subtle Mouth Changes
Sores, bleeding gums, loose teeth, or bad breath can signal deeper health issues. Don’t ignore these signs. Early attention helps maintain senior teeth care and prevents more serious senior health problems down the road.
8. Snack Smart for Strong Teeth
Sugary snacks and acidic drinks can wear down enamel. Choose teeth-friendly snacks like cheese, nuts, and crunchy veggies. These help clean your teeth naturally and provide nutrients for strong teeth and gums. Small changes in diet can make a big difference in senior dental care.
9. Take Your Time When Brushing
Don’t rush through brushing. Aim for two full minutes and try to hit every angle of every tooth. Play a favorite song or use a timer to help you stay on track. A thorough brushing helps maintain senior teeth health in the long term.
10. Mouthwash Isn’t Just for Fresh Breath
The right alcohol-free mouthwash can help reduce bacteria, strengthen enamel, and reduce symptoms of dry mouth. It’s a fantastic addition to your morning and nightly senior dental care routine, helping get hard-to-reach nooks and crannies and freshening your breath.
Don’t feel like making an extra trip to the store to get mouthwash? GoGo Pharmacy delivers oral care essentials like mouthwash, toothpaste, floss, and prescription treatments right to your door. That means you can keep up with your senior teeth health routine without even leaving home.
11. Stay Hydrated for Your Smile
Drinking water helps wash away food particles and bacteria throughout the day, especially after mealtime. It also keeps your mouth moist, which is vital for senior teeth care. Aim to sip water consistently throughout the day to support your teeth and gums.
Get easy hydration tips here.
12. Protect Against Teeth Grinding
Many seniors grind their teeth at night without realizing it. Stress, anxiety, and sleep issues can lead to nighttime grinding, which may cause tooth chips and cracks, jaw pain, and headaches. If you’re waking up with a sore jaw or sensitive teeth, or you’re noticing your teeth are wearing down or decaying, talk to your dentist about getting a night guard. It cushions your teeth, helps prevent damage, and supports long-term senior dental care.
You may also like this article: 14 Sleep Tips for Seniors to Improve Sleep Quality
13. Keep Your Head Elevated at Night
Acid reflux or heartburn can damage your teeth over time. It’s especially bad at night, when stomach acid can regurgitate into your mouth without you noticing. Try sleeping with your head slightly elevated to reduce nighttime reflux. Talk to your doctor about acid reflux prescriptions and sleeping positions to help protect your teeth and overall senior health.
14. Ask Your Dentist About Financial Help
Staying on top of senior dental care can prevent more expensive treatments later, so don’t let the cost deter you from routine senior dental care. Many dental offices offer senior discounts, payment plans, or annual memberships, even if you don’t have dental insurance. Ask about options that fit your budget.
Senior Dental Care That Makes You Smile
Senior dental care is about more than just your mouth. A healthy mouth helps you enjoy meals, laugh with loved ones, and feel your best every day.
And GoGoGrandparent is here to help:
- With GoGo Pharmacy, you can get all your senior dental care products – like mouthwash, toothpaste, floss, prescriptions, and more – delivered right to your door, so you never run out of what you need.
- With GoGo Rides, you can get to every dental appointment safely, easily, and stress-free, monitored by GoGo Guardians who care about your peace of mind.
Register for GoGo here to get started and take back your health, independence, and daily comfort.
