Dental health in older people: care that makes a difference

In short: with age the mouth changes, and that means adapting care. More dry mouth from medication, exposed roots that decay easily, gums that need attention and, sometimes, dentures. With adapted hygiene and check-ups, a healthy mouth can be kept for many years. And for carers, a few simple gestures make the difference.

What changes in the mouth over the years?

• Less saliva: many common medications dry out the mouth. And less saliva = more cavities and discomfort. (Here, on dry mouth.)
• Exposed roots: as the gums recede, the root is exposed, softer and prone to “root cavities”.
• Gums and bone: gum disease, if not controlled, makes you lose teeth.
• Dentures: which stop fitting over time and need checking.

Adapted hygiene

The technique is the usual one, but adapted to the hands:

• If movement is hard (arthritis, tremor), an electric or thick-handled brush helps a lot.
• A simple routine, morning and night, no fuss.
• If there are dentures, clean them daily and take them out at night (how to care for them).
• Fluoride (fluoride toothpaste) to protect those more vulnerable roots.

Keep going to the dentist

Even with few teeth left or wearing dentures, check-ups are still important: adjusting the denture, controlling the gums and ruling out lesions. The mouth is general health too: a healthy mouth helps you eat well, get nourishment and stay in shape.

For carers

If you care for a dependent person, the mouth sometimes gets neglected without meaning to. Help given patiently —gentle brushing, a clean denture, moisturised lips and taking them for a check-up— prevents pain, infections and trouble eating. It makes far more difference than it seems.

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Have you or an older relative not had a check-up in a while? Come in and we’ll get it sorted, calmly. The first visit is free: book an appointment.