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As you age, your risk for many illnesses increases, especially after you turn 60. In fact, approximately 68 percent of people over the age of 65 have some form of periodontal disease! But what causes this increase in oral health problems, and what can you do to lower your risk and protect your smile? Here are a few common causes, and how to prevent them.
Medications
If you are a senior who takes medication that causes dry mouth as a side effect, your risk of developing gum disease can easily increase. This is because your saliva contains enzymes called lysozyme which help kill the bacteria that cause gum disease and cavities. When your mouth gets dry, you no longer benefit from these enzymes, nor can your saliva wash away food particles that cling to the teeth and increase your risk of oral health problems.
Thus, if you have been prescribed medication such as antidepressants or heart medications that lower your saliva levels, be sure to stay hydrated for the sake of your smile!
Hormonal Dysregulation
When women go through menopause, they can experience hormone imbalances that may increase their odds of developing a painful form of gum disease called desquamative gingivitis. If you are experiencing any gum irritation or know you are going through menopause, it is important to visit your dentist regularly to keep a close eye on your teeth and gums. This will allow your dentist to help you treat any periodontal problems as they arise during this time.
Tobacco and Alcohol
If you consume tobacco products or drink alcoholic beverages, you are at a higher risk of developing gum disease, especially if you drink more than four drinks a day, or drink and smoke at the same time. Reducing your use of these products can lower your risk of many illnesses including oral cancer, lung cancer, heart disease, and periodontal disease.
Systemic Diseases
Illnesses such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and cardiovascular disease can disrupt your body’s inflammatory responses, increasing your risk of oral health problems such as gum disease. To lower your risk, be sure to brush and floss regularly, and make your dentist aware of any medical conditions that could affect your oral health.
Malnutrition
Experiencing a diminished appetite or missing teeth can cause seniors to miss out on important vitamins and minerals that help them stay healthy, such as vitamin C. This can in turn increase your risk of gum disease. Thus, be sure to eat a well-balanced diet rich in healthy foods like fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats like those from fish, nuts, and seeds. You may also want to consider adding multivitamins to your diet.
Physical and Mental Health
As you age, it can be easy to forget even routine activities like tooth brushing and flossing. Worse still, many seniors suffer from depression or dexterity issues that make brushing difficult or even impossible. If you find yourself struggling to remember to care for your teeth, or if you need assistance with any aspect of oral health care, speak to your doctor, caregiver, or a family member about how you can obtain assistance with this important routine.
Remember, while your risk of gum disease does increase as you age, that doesn’t mean you need to simply accept it as inevitable. In cooperation with your dentist, physician, and support network, you can protect your gums and safeguard your smile for years to come!
About Our Practice
At Laketown Family Dental, our family wants to help your family protect their beautiful smiles! Dr. Ariel Heisser and Dr. Eric Heisser are proud to provide a variety of treatment options to patients of all ages. If you are experiencing changes in your gums or other challenges with your oral health care as you age, please schedule an appointment with one of our skilled and caring dentists for assistance. You can book online through our website or call us today at 231-737-2273.