Seniors Oral Health

Seniors Oral Health Introduction Maintaining healthy teeth and gums at any age is an important part of preserving your overall good health.

Seniors Oral Health Overview 1. Ontario Statistics 2. Oral and Overall Health 3. Quality of Life 4. Good Oral Hygiene 5. Possible Complications: Oral Disease 6. Dental Options 7. Questions and Answers

Seniors Oral Health Seniors 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 Options Replacing a lost tooth – Three main types of artificial teeth – Dental Implants – Dentures – Bridge

Seniors Oral Health Dental 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 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 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 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

SeniorsOral Health QUESTIONS? Thank You