Good oral health not only enables you to functionally perform as a human being. It is also important for communication, human relationships and financial prosperity. Poor dental health has serious consequences, including painful, disabling and costly health conditions. Complete tooth loss is twice as prevalent among adults aged 75 and older compared with adults aged 65-74. Chronic oral pain or discomfort can affect a senior’s ability to speak, eat and socialize impacting their overall quality of life and mental well-being.

Having missing teeth or wearing dentures can affect nutrition, because people without teeth or with dentures often prefer soft, easily chewed foods instead of foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables. Poor oral health can lead to pain and discomfort, sleepless nights, loss of function and self-esteem and in turn disrupt family life. It can also lead to time off work. Experiencing tooth decay or having missing teeth or ill-fitting dentures can lead to an individual becoming socially isolated. Decay occurs when bacteria in the mouth produce acids that erode the enamel, leading to the formation of cavities. Without proper dental care, decay can progress and result in pain, infection and tooth loss.

How can improve Oral Health?

• Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
• Clean between teeth regularly, aiming for once a day
• Visit the dentist for routine check-ups and professional cleaning
• Drink fluoridated water
• Don’t smoke

Poor oral health can impact senior’s ability to eat a healthy and balanced diet. Painful gums, missing teeth or ill-fitting dentures can make chewing difficult, leading to dietary restrictions and nutritional deficiencies. Gum disease and tooth decay can lead to oral infection, which can spread to other parts of the body, including the heart and lungs. This can weaken the immune system, impair wound healing, and increase the risk of chronic diseases. Routine dental visits are essential for seniors to detect and address oral health issues early. Dentists can perform comprehensive exams, cleanings and treatments to prevent or manage gum disease, decay, and other problems. The cause of poor oral hygiene is usually the patient’s failure to maintain good oral hygiene habits, such as regular brushing and flossing of teeth to remove plaque and tartar from the teeth.

Some foods and habits can also result in poor oral hygiene and dental diseases. It’s also because keeping your mouth healthy is an important part of your overall health and well-being. Oral health is linked to whole-body health, which means that problems with your teeth and gums can lead to other health concerns like heart disease, stroke and more.

What are Oral Health diseases?

• Dental Cavities
• Gum Disease
• Infectious Diseases
• Oral Cancers
• Mouth Injury Trauma

Oral Health Related Quality of Life is defined as an individual´s assessment of how functional factors, psychological factors, social factors and experience of discomfort in relation to or facial concerns affect their well-being. Oral health is the state of the mouth, teeth and or facial structures that enables individuals to perform essential functions such as eating, breathing and speaking and encompasses psycho social dimensions such as self-confidence, well-being and the ability to socialize. Good Oral health is comprised of clean teeth, as well as fresh breath and healthy gums. In order to enjoy optimal oral health, it is important to practice proper oral hygiene on a daily basis. Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Clean between your teeth daily using floss and inter dental brushes. Eat a healthy, balanced diet and limit added sugar intake. Visit the dentist regularly for check-ups and preventative care.

Good oral health is an essential part of older people’s health care. For older people living with frailty it is critical to ensuring they are hydrated and their nutritional needs are well supported. Poor oral health care can lead to difficulties in eating, and absorbing medications properly. You should clean in between your teeth at least once a day using inter dental brushes or dental floss. Cut down on how often you have food and drinks containing sugar especially sweets that last longer in the mouth such as boiled sweets or mints. Visit your dental team regularly, as often as they recommend.