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Seniors Oral Health
IntroductionIntroduction
Maintaining healthy teeth and gums at any age is an important part
of preserving your overall good health.
Seniors Oral Health
OverviewOverview
1. Ontario Statistics2. Oral and Overall Health3. Quality of Life4. Good Oral Hygiene5. Possible Complications: Oral
Disease6. Dental Options7. Questions and Answers
Seniors Oral Health
Seniors in OntarioSeniors in Ontario
• Seniors 65 and older now represent 13% of the total population – up from 10% in 2001
• By 2026, it is estimated that there will be more seniors than children
Seniors Oral Health
Seniors in OntarioSeniors in Ontario
• Seniors (65-74) are more likely to be living in a private residence than seniors (85+)
• For those 85 and over:– Males more likely to be living with a spouse– Females more likely to be either living alone or
in a long term care residence
• Seniors 65 and over are among the lowest users of dental services than other age groups
Seniors Oral Health
Oral and Overall HealthOral and Overall Health
• Mounting scientific evidence suggests an association between oral health and overall health– For instance:
• Bacterial plaque may increase the risk of pneumonia• Gum disease can affect diabetes
• Good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups help to preserve your good health
Seniors Oral Health
Seniors and Quality of LifeSeniors and Quality of Life
• Remaining active and living longer– Contributes positively to:• Physical, mental and
social wellbeing
• Preserving your own teeth– Allows you to comfortably: • Speak, eat and socialize
Seniors Oral Health
Good Oral HygieneGood Oral Hygiene
• Protect against oral disease and preserve overall good health by:• Brushing and flossing twice daily • Use fluoride toothpaste• Limit sweets• Visit your dentist regularly
Seniors Oral Health
Oral DiseaseOral Disease
• Tooth Decay– Major cause of tooth loss for all
ages– Why Seniors?• Consume refined
carbohydrates– Sweet foods, drinks or
medications
Seniors Oral Health
Oral DiseaseOral Disease
• Tooth Decay continued– Minimizing Tooth Decay:• Substitute: refined sugars/artificial
sweeteners• Use fluoride to remineralize the surface to
avoid tooth decay• Use anti-bacterial mouth rinse to reduce
level of bacteria in the mouth• Brush and floss twice daily
Seniors Oral Health
Oral DiseaseOral Disease
• Gum Disease– Gingivitis – inflammation of
the gum tissue– Periodontitis – destruction of
bone and the structures supporting the teeth• Common oral problems that
may result in tooth loss• Respond well to proper oral
hygiene routines and treatment by your dentist
Seniors Oral Health
Oral DiseaseOral Disease
• Dry Mouth– Medications common to
seniors may decrease saliva production and cause dry mouth
– Without saliva the mouth and teeth become more susceptible to infections, ulcerations and decay
– Affects: taste, speech, chewing, swallowing, and tolerance to dentures
Seniors Oral Health
Oral DiseaseOral Disease
• Cancer– Can develop in the mouth– More likely to develop in
older adults who smoke or chew tobacco and/or abuse alcohol
– Early diagnosis is crucial– All non-healing sores in the
mouth or changes in voice deserve close attention and monitoring
90-Second Test for Oral Cancer
Seniors Oral Health
Dental OptionsDental Options
• Crowns– Rather than remove a tooth
damaged by decay or accident, a cover – known as a crown or cap – can be placed over the remaining tooth
– Under local anaesthetic, the tooth is reduced in size for the final crown to be cemented onto the tooth
– During your next visit, the permanent crown will be cemented onto your tooth
Illustration of Crown
Seniors Oral Health
Dental OptionsDental Options
• Replacing a lost tooth– Three main types of artificial teeth
– Dental Implants– Dentures– Bridge
Seniors Oral Health
Dental OptionsDental Options
• Dental Implant– Placing metal posts beneath
the gum into jaw– Over the next few months, the
metal posts will fuse to the surrounding bone and serve to anchor replacement teeth, which can now be attached
Seniors Oral Health
Dental OptionsDental Options
• Dentures– A removable or partial denture
replaces all of the lost teeth in the arch
– The denture is held in place by clasping to the remaining adjacent teeth
Seniors Oral Health
Dental OptionsDental Options
• Bridge– Is a replacement that is
cemented to adjacent teeth and cannot be removed
– A unit made up of a false tooth and two crowns is custom made to fill the area of the lost tooth and cemented in place
Seniors Oral Health
Dental OptionsDental Options
• Root Canal– Teeth infected or abscessed can often be saved
by performing root canal treatment– An opening is made in your tooth and the
infected nerve is removed– After most root canal treatments, the patient
will require a crown to support the remaining tooth structure
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QUESTIONS?QUESTIONS?Thank You