75% of people who are 60 & older have some of their natural teeth and nearly 23% between the ages of 65 and 74 have serious gum disease, as reported by the Washington Dental Service Foundation. 

Poor dental hygiene is more common in seniors living in nursing homes or undergoing long hospital stays, because of inadequate dental care. Another common dental problem in seniors is dry mouth, which is a side effect of the regular intake of medicines. Dry mouth reduces saliva production that leads to creating a breeding ground for bacteria in the mouth. 

Medical impacts

Dental problems like tooth loss, gum disease and decaying teeth have significant effects on senior’s health and wellbeing. Poor dental hygiene can lead to high risks of diabetes, as well as heart and gum disease. It can affect their nutrition, as seniors may prefer eating soft food, instead of nutrient-dense fruits & vegetables. Poor dental health can also affect their well-being leading to low self-esteem. 

Tips for improving oral health

Ensuring that basic daily dental care practices are followed can help in improving oral health in seniors, as well as prevent existing conditions from worsening. Seniors should stick to the daily habit of brushing twice a day and flossing once a day. Also, they should visit their dentist regularly all through the year. In addition to daily dental care, awareness is also vital for improving senior dental health. 

Make dental care effortless

There are several simple ways to make dental care easy and convenient. Begin with establishing a daily routine for dental care and perform it daily at the same time. For seniors who find it difficult to hold the toothbrush, they can try attaching the brush to hand with a rubber band that is not too tight. Another creative way of holding a toothbrush firmly is using a Velcro strap that is generally used to hold utensils. For seniors who are comfortable using a larger toothbrush, they can try cutting a small slit in a tennis ball and sliding it on the handle of the toothbrush, making it convenient to hold.