About half of U.S. adults have some form of gum disease, but did you know that the majority of those cases occur in older individuals? According to a statistic published by the American Dental Association, about 68% of adults aged 65 and older have this condition. What causes gum disease in older adults, and how can you protect your smile as the years pass? This blog post provides some helpful information.
Causes of Gum Disease
Some factors that may make seniors more vulnerable to gum disease include:
- Some medications cause dry mouth as a side effect. Inadequate saliva production can make it easier for bacteria to thrive in your mouth (including the bacteria that cause gum disease).
- Hormonal fluctuations. Hormonal changes during and after menopause can increase the risk of gum disease in women.
- Substance abuse. The long-term use of cigarettes, chewing tobacco, and alcohol can adversely affect your body’s ability to fight off oral infections.
- Diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and cardiovascular conditions can all increase inflammation throughout your body, which may make you more susceptible to gum disease.
- Poor nutrition. Some older adults tend to lose their appetite. If that is true of you, your body might not be getting the nutrients it needs to fight off gum disease.
- Decreased ability to maintain oral hygiene. Some physical and mental health conditions can make it increasingly difficult for you to maintain a thorough oral hygiene routine.
What You Can Do
You deserve to stay healthy and have a confident smile well into your upper years! Here are some tips to help you reduce your risk of gum disease:
- Visit your dentist regularly. Ideally, you should get a checkup and cleaning at least twice a year. If your dentist identifies signs of gum disease, you can receive treatment.
- Adapt your oral hygiene routine. If you have mobility problems, an electric toothbrush and a water flosser might make it easier to maintain a clean mouth.
- Consider your nutrition. If you do not have much of an appetite, you might consider taking supplements to make sure your body gets the nutrients it needs to function properly.
- Ask your doctor for help. Your medical team can help you manage illness and medications that might be adversely affecting your oral health.
- Quit bad habits. Smoking and alcohol abuse can be devastating for your smile’s health. If necessary, seek professional help to conquer these habits.
Even though gum disease is common among older adults, that does not mean you are doomed to develop it! Be proactive about your oral health so you can maintain a strong and disease-free smile.
Meet the Practice
At the Center for Contemporary Dentistry, our team welcomes patients of all ages, from children to seniors. No matter where you are in life, we can offer advice and treatments to help you enjoy healthy gums and teeth, which in turn can contribute to improved overall wellness. To learn more about how we may be able to serve you, contact our Belmont office at 603-556-7047.