Common Oral Conditions and Its Management

In generations past, as we aged there was an expectation to begin to lose our teeth - but more and more of today's seniors have reached their golden years with many or all their adult teeth intact. But to maintain this positive trend, seniors need to be aware of specific oral health concerns so maintaining their teeth can be a realistic goal.

Gingivitis

When teeth are not properly cleaned, plaque forms on the tooth’s surface. Plaque can cause irritation of the gums, making them red and slightly swollen – this is gingivitis.More serious forms of gum disease such as periodontitis start with gingivitis.

Bad Breath (Halitosis)

In most cases, the cause of bad breath can be simple. However, if the issue is persistent, it can be a symptom of something more serious, and a problem sign of something to avoid long term.

• Diet places a key role in bad breath, and the food you eat can often affect the smell of your breath.
• Oral bacteria can cause an odour, and also indicate you have plaque build-up.
• Dry mouth often affects your breath, as saliva (or lack thereof) affects plaque buildup and food particles from sticking to your teeth. Read more about dry mouth on the dry mouth page.
• Smoking.
• Unclean dentures. Just like teeth, dentures need to be cleaned regularly to keep them feeling, and smelling, fresh.
• Some medical conditions, often affecting your liver or kidneys, can affect your breath. Alerting your dentist of previous medical conditions, or current medications is always a good idea.

Dysphagia (Trouble Swallowing)

Those suffering from dysphagia, or trouble swallowing, can reduce their risk of chest infection or other serious issues by maintaining good oral health by keeping their mouth clean. Other medical issues include neuromuscular conditions, stroke, dementia, traumatic brain injury, gastroesophageal reflux disease, cancers of the head and neck and certain respiratory conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Aspiration pneumonia can also be caused when saliva, food or liquid goes down the trachea into the lungs, instead of the esophagus and into the stomach.

Risk of dysphagia increases with age and frailty, as well as smoking, excessive alcohol use, certain medications and poor oral hygiene including your teeth and dentures.

Possible Signs & Symptoms:

• Difficulty when trying to swallow
• Coughing and choking during or after meals
• Wet voice during or after meals
• Weight loss and/or dehydration
• Difficulty with certain textures of foods
• Pocketing of food in the mouth
• Regurgitating food
• Frequent fevers or chest infection

Dry Mouth (xerostomin)

Dry mouth, or xerostomin is the result of decreased saliva production, which affects up to 60% of older adults. Saliva lubricates the mouth helping to prevent decay and protect tooth enamel. But don’t worry; there are plenty of ways to manage this condition.

Dry mouth can be caused by a variety of reasons, including medications you may be taking, radiation or cancer treatments, smoking, immune deficiency, systemic diseases (such as Diabetes, Parkinson’s, Sjogren syndrome) or salivary gland aplasia.

Also, avoid alcohol or alcohol products (including mouth rinses containing alcohol), glycerin or lemon toothette swabs, food or drinks promoting dry mouth (caffeine, sweet sticky foods, spicy, acidic or dry foods) and lemon or cinnamon flavoured candy or gum.

Denture Care

It might come as a surprise, but dentures build up plaque and tartar just like natural teeth. Maintaining good oral health starts by ensuring your dentures are clean and fitting properly.

Regular denture care includes daily removal and brushing of the mouth, tongue, cheeks and palate. You should also check the denture for any broken or cracked areas.

Helpful Hints:

• Dentures should be thoroughly cleaned everyday
• Soaking dentures in cleaning solution about 30 minutes before brushing will loosen tartar and plaque
• Brush dentures with a denture brush and liquid soap for foam denture cleaner.
  • It is important you use non-abrasive products and materials to prevent scratching
• It is ideal to leave dentures out overnight if possible, or at least 1-2 hours per day minimum.
  • This will let gums rest and help prevent denture stomatitis or inflammation
• Clean the cup you store your dentures in at least once a week
• Change denture brush on a yearly basis and denture cup as required

Labelling Dentures

Labelling dentures is something many people likely don’t think about, until it’s too late. In situations where multiple people may have dentures, such as a long-term care facility, it is important for identifying dentures which could have been misplaced or mistaken during meals or while soaking.

Labelling can be done professionally, by either a denturist or at a dental office, or at home. Dental professionals will use an engraving tool and apply acrylic overtop to make it permanent. In addition, denture ID kits are also available.

For those interested in a do-it-yourself project, here’s what you’ll need:

• Spray disinfectant
• Emory board/nail file
• Indelible marker
• Clear acrylic nail polish

Steps:

1. Always wear gloves
2. Clean and disinfect the denture
3. Use an emery board to roughen the cheek side of the denture at the back
4. Print the resident’s name on the area with a permanent marker and seal it with clear acrylic nail polish
5. Once dry, clean and disinfect the denture again and rinse thoroughly with cool water

Cold/Canker Sores