Advancing age can effect seniors and their teeth.  For some darkened teeth can be an issue.  Darkened teeth is caused to some extent by changes in the tooth dentin as well as by a lifetime of consuming stain causing foods and beverages. By seeing a dentist about darkened teeth, the dentist may be able to brighten them up.

Periodontal diseases other wise know as gum disease is an infection of the supporting structures of the teeth. When not treated, periodontal diseases can result in the loss of teeth. The occurrence of periodontal diseases increases with age, from six percent among persons 25-34 years and to 41 percent among those 65 years and older. 

This increase is not necessarily due to older persons being more susceptible to periodontal diseases, but rather to the consequences of these diseases, which accumulate over time and are thus more evident in the elderly.  Preventing periodontal diseases is particularly relevant because recent studies have shown a possible association between these diseases and diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, which are major causes of death among the elderly population.

Dental caries (cavities), is an infection of the teeth, which represent another physiological burden, especially important for those whose systems are already weakened by diseases and aging. In 1988-94 nearly one-third of adults 65 years of age and older with natural teeth had untreated dental cavities in either the crown or the root of their teeth. Dental caries is one of the main causes of tooth loss for both young and old adults.  Although the prevalence of dental caries has declined in the U.S. overall, declines have not occurred among the most socially disadvantaged groups of older adults.

Due to that chronic diseases are so prevalent among older adults, many seniors take multiple prescriptions and over-the-counter medications. Therefore it is not unusual for at least one of these medications to have a side effect that is detrimental to their oral health.

For example, antihistamines, diuretics, antipsychotics, and antidepressants can reduce salivary flow which can result in dry mouth. Dry mouth is one of the most common side effects of both prescription and over-the-counter medications. Having a dry mouth can cause difficulty chewing, speaking, and swallowing. It also increases the risk of developing cavities and soft tissue problems. Dry mouth may also decrease the ability to wear dentures

The quality of today’s dental prostheses (dentures and partials) can help persons who have lost some or all of their natural teeth improve their quality of life by restoring lost function and esthetics.

Ghrelin is a hormone released by the lining of the stomach that promotes feeding behavior. Decreasing ghrelin levels could potentially help combat obesity in fact, a vaccine that lowers ghrelin levels in order to reduce appetite is being studied as a treatment for obesity. However, many people eat as a way to relieve stress.

If you are a senior going in for dental check up, if you are new patient to the dental office or if you have not been to your dentist in over a year or more expect to conduct a thorough history and dental exam.  Questions that may be asked can include:

1) The approximate date of your last dental visit and the reason for the visit.
2) If you notice any recent changes within your mouth
3) If you have notice any loose or sensitive teeth since your last dental visit.
4) If you had any difficulty in tasting, chewing of swallowing
5) If you since your last dental visit notice any pain, discomfort, sores, or bleeding in you mouth
6) If you have notice any lump, bump or swelling in your mouth.
7) The dentist will also go over any health issues that can effect your dental and oral health as well as want to know any medication you are currently on.

According to The University of Michigan Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll on Children’s Health, nearly 1 in 4 grandparents keep prescription medications in places children can easily access. Each year, more young children visit the emergency room for unintentional medication poisonings than for car accidents. The poll asked parents and grandparents of children, aged 1 to 5 years old, whether medicines were present in their homes and if so, how they are stored. Matthew M. Davis, M.D., M.A.P.P., director of the C.S.

According to national data 7 percent of adults 65 years and older reported having tooth pain at least twice during the past six months. Oral pain is not something to defer. Oral pain is a sign of an advanced problem in either your tooth or gum tissues. Oral pain and health problems, whether from missing teeth, ill-fitting dentures, cavities, gum disease, or infection, can cause difficulty eating and can force people to adjust the quality, consistency, and balance of their diet. 

Therefore professional dental help is needed to effectively manage and treat any oral pain and dental problems. Make sure to see a dentist at the first sign of any oral or dental pain you may have.

Oral health problems can hinder a person’s ability to be free of pain and discomfort, to be able to maintain a satisfying and nutritious diet, and to enjoy interpersonal relationships and a have positive self-image.  Oral and dental health problems are more frequently found in an older adult population for whom other health problems are often more of a priority. However studies show links to poor oral health and over all health care issues and therefore should not be seen as not important, since oral health is connected to your overall health care. 

British consumers are considerably misjudging how much sugar supposedly “healthy option drinks” contain, researchers from the University of Glasgow, Scotland, revealed in a new report. The investigators asked 2,005 individuals across the country to estimate how much sugar some popular drinks contained. They found that, in general, people tend to slightly overestimate the sugar content of sodas (fizzy drinks), while seriously underestimating levels in milkshakes, smoothies, energy drinks and several fruit juices.