In honor of October being dental hygiene month, the blog today will focus on dental care for senior citizens.

     Dental hygiene is extremely important aspect of overall health for every age group. For the elderly, trips to the dentist can drop down on a list of priorities, especially when multiple other medical concerns take precedence. 

     I see many senior citizens in my practice.  Most are on multiple medications for heart disease, diabetes, anxiety, low thyroid hormone, reflux disease and other endocrine disorders.  All of these medications (in addition to treating disease), will cause xerostomia, or dry mouth due to reduced salivary flow. This can become a significant problem over time.  Without enough saliva, patients have a tendency to use hard candy and sweetened carbonated beverages to stimulate saliva.  The result is a change in the oral flora allowing the bacteria that cause decay and gum disease to proliferate.

     The blog Dentalvibe also writes on this important issue. “For senior patients, oral health problems will often arise as an after-effect of other, seemingly unrelated medical concerns. Common maladies like cancer, diabetes, dementia, and even general feebleness can make it harder for the elderly to maintain a daily hygiene regiment, resulting in rapid deterioration in the teeth and gums.” 

     The dentist can help you keep your teeth healthy with regular checkups.  Fluoride rinses and toothpaste with regular brushing is essential. Keep sweets, pop, alcohol and tobacco use to a minimum and your teeth will thank you.

-Dr. Gallagher

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