Seniors Deserve Specialists in Geriatric Dentistry

Not all dentistry is the same; that’s why family dentists aren’t the only dental care specialists – oral surgeons, cosmetic dentists, plastic surgeons, and other specialists all work in the field of orofacial health. Pediatric dentistry requires specific knowledge of bodies that aren’t fully-grown, and how bone vs soft tissue interact as they grow and develop.

Just the same, quality geriatric dentistry requires specialized knowledge of the different needs of our elderly patients. They deserve just the same attention, too, right? As the US population ages and seniors become a larger demographic, the field of geriatric dentistry is only going to become more important with time.

Oral Health Challenges faced by our Elderly Population

Many of the problems seniors face with maintaining good oral health are just common symptoms of natural aging, so it’s nothing to feel bad about if you’ve been affected by any of these:

• Exposed roots from gum recession
• Gum disease and periodontitis
• Dark teeth (not due to staining)
• Dry mouth (halitosis)
• Tooth decay and root decay
• Unbalanced and/or diminishing jaw bone

The Unique Dental Care Needs of Seniors

There are a few important things that change in aging bodies that a family dentist specializing in geriatric dentistry must be familiar with to give the best care:

Physiological Changes

• The body’s ability to heal and regenerate tissue, especially bone tissue, lessens as we age.
• Anesthesia risks rise as the abilities of the cardiovascular system declines with age.
• Overall bone density is lower and continues to decline with age.
• Tooth enamel is thinner than in younger people.
• Overall physical ability must be considered. (i.e. wheelchair-compatible dental chairs)

Psychological and Cognitive Changes

• Presence and extent of dementia, Alzheimer’s or other cognitive impairments.

Interactions with Medications

• More than 1 out of 3 senior citizens in the US are on 5 or more prescription medications at one time. Medications can contribute to oral health issues like gum recession, tooth decay, and loss of density in the jaw bone. Just the same, medication interactions must be taken into account when a dentist administers sedation of any kind with an elderly patient.

All of these factors need to be understood and taken into account when a dentist treats an elderly patient, because they’re meant to guide course of treatment. For instance, while implants and implant crowns are the most comprehensive way to replace extracted teeth, not every elderly patient is a candidate for them. It would be a risk to their health and well-being to use dental implants when their health requires you only use dentures or bridges.

If a dentist hasn’t extensively reviewed any x-rays and performed a thorough exam while taking these factors into account, then that patient isn’t getting the best care possible.

How our Seniors can Help Preserve their Oral Health

Just like all age groups, there are things seniors can do to preserve the look and function of their smile, as well as their overall mouth and jaw health:

• Never skip your regular dental cleanings.
• Have oral x-rays taken at least 1x/year.
• Brush and floss regularly.
• Keep a balanced diet high in nutrients that boost immunity, bone and soft tissue health.
• Use antiseptic mouthwash.
• Avoid any kind of tobacco use.

To some extent, there’s some challenges of age we all face, and that includes maintaining our oral health. That’s why our seniors need access to family dentists who specialize in geriatric dentistry. Regular, thorough dental care and mindfulness for the unique needs of elderly patients becomes more important each day – both in our society writ large, and for each patient we treat.