A healthy smile is important at every stage of life, but as we age, our oral health needs change. Older adults are more prone to issues like gum disease and dry mouth, which can greatly impact their overall health and well-being.

Good oral health goes beyond simple brushing and flossing and can even affect other parts of the body. In this article, we explore the unique health challenges linked with oral health and ways to help your loved one maintain a healthy smile for years to come.

The link between oral health and general wellness

Did you know conditions like diabetes and heart disease can be connected to oral health? The mouth is full of germs, and while those germs are often harmless, the mouth is directly connected to the body’s digestive and respiratory systems. This means germs in the mouth can easily spread to other, more sensitive parts of the body. Without good oral hygiene, these germs can build up and cause oral infections, like gum disease and tooth decay.¹

Because of the mouth’s direct link to other parts of the body, oral health can also play a part in an array of health conditions, such as:

• Diabetes. According to Mayo Clinic, gum disease is common in those with diabetes because the condition inhibits the body’s ability to fight off infections. Poorly controlled diabetes also slows healing, making it more difficult to recover from infections or oral surgeries.¹
• Respiratory illness. Sometimes, germs in the mouth can travel to the lungs, leading to respiratory illnesses like pneumonia, asthma, bronchitis, and COVID-19, according to Mayo Clinic.¹
• Heart disease. Poor oral health may not be a direct cause of heart disease. However, in some cases, heart disease, clogged arteries, and stroke have been linked to inflammation and infection caused by germs in the mouth, according to Mayo Clinic.¹
• Alzheimer’s disease. According to Mayo Clinic, Alzheimer’s effect on cognitive function and mobility can lead to poor oral hygiene. As the disease progresses, oral health also tends to get worse.
• Cancer. In extreme cases, gum disease has been linked to certain cancers, including cancers of the mouth, gastrointestinal tract, lung, and breast. A 2020 Harvard Health study shows that those with a history of gum disease are 43% more likely to develop esophageal cancer and 52% more likely to develop stomach cancer.²

Caregivers and family members can help by making sure their loved one’s dentist is aware of any changes in their overall health. Certain conditions—and the medications for those conditions—can potentially impact the risk of gum disease, cavities, dry mouth, and other oral infections. By understanding a person’s overall health, the dentist can provide more thorough care to address and prevent any complications.

Prevention is the best medicine

Preventing oral health issues starts at home. The following hygienic habits can help maintain a consistent in-home dental care routine, significantly reduce the risk of dental issues, and keep your loved one’s smile healthy for as long as possible:

• Emphasize the importance of thorough brushing and flossing. The only way to thoroughly remove dental plaque and bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease is to brush and floss well daily.
• Encourage healthy daily habits. Help your loved one prepare nutritious meals, establish an exercise routine, and avoid alcohol and cigarettes.
• Help them attend regular dentist checkups and cleanings. It may help to keep a shared calendar so you can both keep track of their appointments. Additionally, offer to drive them or arrange transportation if they’re unable to drive themselves.
• Watch for changes in or around your loved one’s mouth. This might include sore spots in the mouth or throat area, inflamed patches near the mouth, trouble chewing and swallowing, or swelling in the mouth or jaw.
• Discuss any issues or changes with a doctor. If you notice new or worsening oral health issues in your loved one, it’s a good idea to bring them up with their dentist or other care provider. They can offer a solution and can determine if the issue is related to another underlying condition.

Tips for supporting oral health in seniors

With a helping hand, your loved one can maintain a healthy mouth and avoid an array of health complications. The amount of support that you or their caregiver can provide will depend on things like the state of their overall health, mobility, and whether they wear dentures.

Below are tips to help you support your loved one’s oral health depending on their needs and abilities.

• If your loved one requires minimal support: Let them do as much as they can on their own but keep an eye out for changes in case you need to step in to help. Show your support by helping them maintain a brushing and flossing routine, and check that they use fluoride toothpaste and an easy-to-use toothbrush. They may also appreciate your help scheduling and traveling to dental appointments, particularly if they can no longer drive.³
• If your loved one wears dentures: Make sure the dentures are being cleaned every single day, both morning and night. This can be an easy step to skip, but it’s just as important as cleaning one’s own teeth. You or your loved one should scrub the dentures carefully to clean them, store them in a cleanser or cup of water at night, and rinse them with water after each meal.³
• If your loved one struggles with mobility: Mobility restrictions, such as those caused by arthritis, can make the act of brushing or flossing a daunting task. If your loved one has pain or stiffness in their hands, you might introduce them to adaptive brushes and floss picks. Battery-operated brushes with soft grips are a great option for those with poor dexterity. Also, fluoride mouthwash can add an extra layer of protection if brushing is a struggle.
• If your loved one needs full assistance: Try to be patient and flexible, as you may need to brush their teeth for them. In this case, it may be best to consult a professional for guidance. Your loved one’s dentist can provide specific oral care instructions, or you may consider hiring someone to help, such as one of HomeWell’s in-home caregivers.

HomeWell can help

HomeWell’s compassionate caregivers are trained to support your aging loved ones through multiple stages of life and health conditions. From medication reminders and daily check-ins to monitoring health changes and helping you communicate with healthcare providers, our services help enhance the health and safety of those they work with while relieving family members of care responsibilities.

Whether your loved one simply needs companionship, struggles with mobility, or requires around-the-clock care, HomeWell can provide the everyday support your loved one needs to experience a fuller life—including assistance with their oral health. Give us a call today to learn more.

Sources

1. Mayo Clinic. (2024, March 14). “Oral health: A window to your overall health.” https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/dental/art-20047475
2. Harvard Health Publishing. (2020, October 1). “Gum disease linked to an increased risk for cancer.” https://www.health.harvard.edu/cancer/gum-disease-linked-to-an-increased-risk-for-cancer
3. MouthHealthy. “The Caregiver’s Guide to Dental Health.” https://www.mouthhealthy.org/life-stages/adults/caregivers-guide-adults-over-60

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