*Requires Adobe Acrobat		Le Bleu Chateau
Community Service Program

Seniors Are Taking More Bites Out Of Life

Keeping more of their teeth as they age.

Do you know why seniors are going to the dentist much more often? The simple answer is because they are getting more cavities. That’s bad news...mixed with good news. Of course, no cavities would be best. However, in order to have cavities, you need to have teeth. And many more seniors are keeping their teeth.

Over the years, normal wear and tear on teeth takes its toll, along with bacteria and plaque. Age can also tax oral health through gum problems, the symptoms of illness and the side effects of medications. In the past, seniors would just accept their toothless fate.

Nowadays, they are taking action. They are practicing preventive care and catching problems earlier. (See below.) In addition, they are regularly seeing dentists who are preventing and repairing many of the oral health problems that previously caused the loss of teeth. This all leads to healthier seniors flashing brighter smiles.

For most of us, brushing our teeth is a simple task. However, for someone with arthritis, it can be a real challenge, with completion requiring determination and a tolerance for pain.

Warning Signs

Keeping Their Teeth

Oral health problems that come with age usually come with an advance notice, too. Some of these red flags can be very obvious. Others can creep up very slowly. Here are some symptoms that are warning signs of oral health problems.

  • Dry mouth.
  • Gums separating from the teeth.
  • Bleeding, swollen or tender gums.
  • Pus around a tooth, near the gums.
  • Noticeable bad breath or bad taste.
  • Lack of taste.
  • Change in the spacing of teeth and the way they fit together.
  • Change in the way dentures (or partials) fit or feel.
  • Loose, cracked or chipped teeth.

In the past, it has been common for people to lose all their teeth as they aged. However, in the last 40+ years, things have changed. A survey by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research showed that the number of toothless people from the ages of 55 to 64 had dropped by 60% since 1960.

This drastic change is attributed to the tremendous scientific advancements in dentistry, along with the emphasis on preventive care that starts with the 5 logical steps listed below.

  1. Brush your teeth at least twice per day.
  2. Floss your teeth every day.
  3. Maintain a balanced, healthy diet.
  4. Exercise on a regular basis.
  5. See your dentist for regular check-ups and thorough teeth cleanings.
(Source: American Dental Association)
}