Oral Health and the Aging Process
Let’s begin by myth busting and explaining that aging does not mean that losing teeth is inevitable and that it cannot be avoided. The fact is that albeit tooth loss often increases with age it is not because you are getting old. Another myth is that tooth lose as we age is a problem that confines itself to the mouth. Actually, the fact is that periodontal (gum) disease and tooth decay that are left untreated can have an adverse effect on your overall health.
The confusion between myth and fact lies in the fact that people often confuse what happens normally as we get older with the longterm effects of diseases and conditions that quicken the process of aging. As we get older, it is normal for there to be a decrease in the ability of our organs to function properly. This decrease in function can be seen, for example, in tissue changes such as dehydration, degeneration, a reduction in elasticity and a decrease in the ability of your organs to heal themselves. As such, your mouth also undergoes normal aging changes and, it’s important to stress that these changes can affect other areas of your body.
Gravity will have a greater effect because the skin loses elasticity. This may result in subtle changes in lip contour. There are also changes in the mucosal lining of the mouth, the tongue, the teeth, the gums, and the bone that supports the teeth.
Changes in the lips: Elderly people sometimes develop a condition called angular cheilitis, a lesion that appears as skin folds with fissures at the corners of the mouth. This condition is primarily caused by candidiasis (a fungal infection) and a lack of vitamin B.
Changes in the surface texture of the oral mucosa (the tissue, the “inside” skin). The lining of the cheeks may become thinner, less elastic, and get a decreased blood supply. Commonly, these changes come about because the flow fro the salivary glands are decreased and the mucosal lining isn't as lubricated as it once was. Many elderly people suffer from “Dry Mouth” (xerostomia), as a contraindication of some medications. This condition also may arise as a result of radiation therapy, which degenerates the salivary glands. This decrease in saliva can be a precursor to root decay, because the roots of teeth are much softer than the enamel and, therefore, are more prone to decay when exposed to bacteria and acids. The sharp edges of broken teeth or poorly fitting dentures may also irritate the mucosa and result in what often appears as white patches on the lining.
Changes in the tongue: Some elderly develop a condition called “Burning Mouth Syndrome.” The tongue appears smooth and shiny as a result of a deficiency of iron (anemia) or other deficiencies. Elderly people who are not healthy may complain of a loss of taste sensation, but this is not a symptom that occurs in healthy seniors.
Changes in the teeth: As people age, their teeth may become yellowish and this is normal. Signs of chipping and tooth wear on the biting surfaces are also commonly present in older people. To avoid thinning around the neck of teeth, people are encouraged to avoid the use of hard-bristled toothbrushes. Your dental health professional will be on guard for the signs of recessed gums and exposed root surfaces, which are usually the result of chronic periodontal disease.
Changes in the gums and supporting bone surrounding the teeth: As many as 90% of the elderly population has periodontal (gum) disease, most of which goes undiagnosed. As we said before, untreated periodontal infection can spread beyond the gum tissue into the bone and even to the heart. Studies are showing that there is a relationship between periodontal disease and other serious chronic conditions, including coronary heart disease, stroke, aspiration pneumonia, and increased risk for complications of diabetes. Part of the reason that gum disease goes undetected in the elderly is that in its early stages people are pain-free and only when the disease has progressed to where there are abscesses and/or tooth loss, where the damage has been done, do people go for treatment. The sad thing is that periodontal disease is preventable and the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease are very important in maintaining overall health during the aging process.
Because as we age our bodies have an decreased ability to repair, we become more susceptible to infection, our resistance is lowered and fighting infection becomes more difficult. With lowered resistance, “good” bacteria are overtaken with “bad” bacteria which can cause serious infections such as gum disease (periodontal disease) and or a fungal infection. Any of these infections can then migrate into other parts of the body.
A chain of unpleasant events forms. If a person has “bad teeth,” it’s likely that their eating habits will be affected. We know that good nutrition is as important, or even more important in seniors for maintaining wellness, Reduced nutrition adds to the possibility of increased susceptibility to infection and disease. Add to that the fact that as we get older it takes longer for us to heal and it becomes clear that avoiding infection is very important.
There are many factors that influence how a person ages. Genetics, of course, cannot be altered, but there are factors over which people do have control and which, if left in place, will adversely affect the aging process; to mention a few: smoking, obesity, inactivity, lack of calcium and vitamin D, alcohol and drug abuse. Simply put, a healthy lifestyle will have an advantageous affect on the aging!