Abscesses: Can toothaches become deadly?

07/09/2019 read Adult Oral Health, Dental Trends, Senior Oral Health

Our oral health is so connected to our overall health, problems like tooth abscesses can become life or death situations. An abscess in a tooth is caused by untreated tooth decay, periodontal (gum) disease, or a crack in a tooth. An abscess is a pocket of pus in the gumline, apex (root) of the tooth, or bone surrounding the tooth. Dentists fix an abscess by draining it so it doesn’t spread into the bloodstream. If this happens, it’s called “bacteremia.” Healthy individuals’ immune system will likely destroy the harmful bacteria. But in older adults or individuals with certain medical conditions, the bacteria in the blood may not be destroyed.

Bacteria in the blood can circulate around the body and travel to the lungs, causing pneumonia, or to the brain, causing meningitis. These dangerous consequences can be avoided. Keep up with your dentist appointments, brush and floss twice a day, and maintain a healthy diet.

Need more tips on the proper oral health routine? Click here

Looking for a dentist in your area? Click here.

What is a Gingival or Gum Abscess?

A “gingival” or gum abscess is an abscess in the gum tissue of the mouth. When this is the case, your dentist will need to drain the infection. If it has spread, a root canal or tooth extraction may be necessary.

What is a Periodontal Abscess?

Periodontal disease is when the gums and bone, or “periodontal tissues” that hold our teeth in place, are infected. This also causes chronic inflammation from the body’s defenses against the infection. Sore, bleeding gums, pain in the mouth, and tooth loss are common with periodontal disease. A periodontal abscess is the third most frequent dental emergency, and it’s more common in individuals with untreated periodontal disease. Your dentist will conduct a variety of examinations to see what course of treatment best suits the particular case.

What is a Periapical Abscess?

A periapical abscess occurs as a result of your body fighting against bad bacteria. When this occurs, tissue retreats from the source of the infection. The periapical abscess forms when the infection spreads and creates a collection of pus at the root of a tooth.

Dental-Related Emergency Room Visits

We’re serious when we say problems that seem small can become fatal situations. One study examined nearly 130 million emergency department patients across the entire United States. They found that patients who didn’t have insurance made up 40.5% of all dental condition-related visits, since they’re more likely to visit an emergency room than a dentist’s office for dental care. The average cost for these emergency department visits is approximately $760. That would cover the cost of dental insurance for at least one year (if not two), allowing for routine cleanings and advice from dental experts.

In this study, in one year:

809,560 patients had a diagnosis of cavities
1,234,036 patients had gingival or periodontal conditions like gingivitis
37,518 patients had mouth cellulitis or abscesses

Examining the individuals among those with dental problems who died:

55% had a diagnosis of cavities
6% had pulpal or periapical lesions
4% had gingival or periodontal conditions
3% had mouth cellulitis or abscess (a single patient may have had one or more dental conditions)
Nearly 85% did not have any additional medical conditions causing the fatality

It’s never too late to start taking care of our teeth. If you don’t have one yet, click here to find a dentist in your area to get on track for a healthy mouth and body. Your dentist cares about more than simply teeth. They want to help you be a healthier, happier you. And if you need low-income resources for care, click here for a list of safety net dental clinics.

Click to learn more about daily oral health tips for a healthier mouth and smile.

Healthy Snack Swaps for July 4th – and All Summer Long

07/02/2019 read Lifestyle

When the 4^th of July rolls around each summer, BBQ ingredients and red, white, and blue desserts can start to pop up all around us. At the grocery store, at work, and especially during summer cook-outs, the 4^th of July party food ideas aren’t always the healthiest. We’ve made a handy chart so you and your family and friends can make easy, healthy swaps when it comes to summer BBQs and 4th of July recipes.

Trade Hot Dogs for Turkey Dogs

Frankly, hot dogs are pretty bad for you. The typical pork hot dog with a bun, ketchup, and mustard has 919 mg of salt. The World Health Organization recommends consuming less than 5 grams of sodium per day. Doctors are also concerned about the nitrates found in hot dogs, which are linked to cancer. We recommend giving turkey dogs a try. Though still relatively high in sodium, turkey dogs have around half the amount as regular hot dogs. They also have about a quarter of the fat content, and no risk of consuming nitrates.

Opt for Water Over Soda

Soda is harmful to our teeth for a variety of reasons, including the high amount of sugar. American Heart Association recommends men don’t exceed 150 calories from sugar a day and 100 calories from sugar for women. One 12-ounce can of soda can have 120.

By choosing water over soda, you’re making the better choice for your oral health. The cavity-causing bacteria in our mouths love to eat sugar. The more we give them, the more acid those bacteria excrete onto our teeth. That acid causes cavities and tooth decay. Try to limit soda consumption whenever possible, and rinse with water after. Do it for your teeth!

Why Take Corn Off the Cob

If you’ve had any dental work done (and especially if you’re currently wearing braces), corn on the cob is not your friend. Biting down on the corn cob can crack fillings and sealants, damage orthodontia, and compromise dentures. Even if your teeth aren’t at risk, multiple guests’ teeth may be. Slice the corn off the cob and save everyone a trip to the dentist or orthodontist.

A Healthier Potato Salad

Traditional potato salad recipes can have as many as 360 calories and over 20 grams of fat in one cup. Swap mayo for plain Greek yogurt and a dash of olive oil for a creamy texture everyone will love. Plus, no one will miss those calories you cut out.

Hidden Sugar in Baked Beans

We don’t usually think of baked beans as an unhealthy 4^th of July staple. But, some brands can be packed with added sugar and sodium if we’re not reading the can’s label closely. Half a cup of traditional baked beans can have around 15 grams of sugar including high-fructose corn syrup, as well as pure fat for flavor. Make homemade baked beans a healthier way: use no-salt-added tomato sauce and leave out that half-pound of bacon or salt pork. Use pinto or cannellini beans, Dijon mustard, maple syrup for sweetness, and your favorite seasonings. This can cut down the sodium by 40%.

Looking for healthier recommendations for your diet? Check out:

5 Reasons to Kick Your Soda Habit

*Updated June 2021

Detecting And Fighting Oral Cancer

06/25/2019 read Adult Oral Health, Senior Oral Health

Check for these oral cancer symptoms. It could be a lifesaver.

More than 10,000 people lose their lives to oral cancer every year, but the five-year survival rate is approximately 60%. By working with your dentist, you can catch symptoms early, which is often the key to a better outcome.

What is oral cancer?

Oral cancer includes cancers of the mouth and the back of the throat. It may show up as an unusual lump or spot on the inside or outside of your lips, cheeks, teeth, throat, on or under the tongue, along your gumline, and on the roof or floor of your mouth.

Early detection can save your life. Because many of these issues can be seen by using a mirror and a bright light, you can serve as your first line of defense against oral cancer. That’s why it’s important to do monthly self-checks to detect any possible issues.

The most common symptoms

Be aware of the following mouth symptoms and see your dentist if they do not disappear after two weeks:

Red or white patches
A sore or irritation that doesn’t go away
Pain, tenderness, or numbness in your mouth or on your lips
A lump, thickening, rough spot, crust, or small eroded area
Difficulty or pain when chewing, swallowing, speaking, or moving your tongue or jaw
A change in the way your teeth fit together when you close your mouth
Bleeding in your mouth
A lump in your neck or cheek
Unexplained ear pain without hearing loss
A feeling that something is caught in your throat

How your dentist helps

Dental checkups can catch oral cancer early. They are also covered under most dental plans. Even if you don’t have symptoms, make sure to schedule regular checkups. During your checkup, tell your dentist about any symptoms. He or she will check your mouth and throat and feel your jaw and neck for any lumps or abnormalities. If your dentist detects anything unusual, further testing will likely be recommended.

The Kombucha Health Drink Craze | Is It Actually Good for You?

06/18/2019 read Lifestyle

The buzz around kombucha tea has been almost non-stop lately. But can this fermented beverage damage your teeth? It’s a great question. While there’s been no shortage of hype for its health benefits, the effects of kombucha on teeth have been less publicized.

Is Kombucha a Health Drink?

Marketed as a health drink, kombucha can potentially kill harmful bacteria and improve digestive health. It also contains antioxidants and is a potential source of probiotics. However, most of kombucha’s possible health benefits come with disclaimers, words like “can” and “may.” So while kombucha may provide the benefits of green tea, may kill bacteria, and may reduce the risk of heart disease, there are few actual studies and little scientific evidence to back these claims. It’s absolutely possible Kombucha’s fermented drink properties may be beneficial. We just need more scientific proof before we can say that these benefits are real.

So Many Choices of Kombucha

So many companies have jumped on the kombucha bandwagon, it’s hard to tell them apart. What makes the task even more difficult is that no kombucha drink is created the same.

Different flavors, varying ingredients, and the basic process of creating kombucha fermented drinks can change the impact the drink has on our body and our mouths. Two bottles of kombucha can be as different as milk and cola when it comes to their acidity and ingredients.

What Makes Kombucha Unique?

Kombucha’s uniquely high acidity gives it some perceived health benefits. However, its pH level and sugar content vary greatly from bottle to bottle and company to company. The primary ingredients of traditional kombucha are water, tea leaves, sugar, and “SCOBY” – the “Symbiotic Colony of Bacteria and Yeast” – which is key to the fermentation process. The finished product melds tea flavors with a slight vinegary taste. Because vinegar isn’t everyone’s cup of tea (so to speak), popular brands add sugar, artificial flavoring, and/or juices that also contain sugar. Some companies keep the natural flavor, making their products healthier options. That’s why it’s important to read the labels.

Sugar and Kombucha

Sugar content in kombucha can range from 2 to 30 grams per serving, exceeding for some people the recommended intake of sugar for an entire day (25g for women, 36g for men).

The bacteria in our mouths feed on sugar. Sugar feeds the plaque that forms on our teeth and leads to oral health issues ranging from dental caries (cavities) to gum disease (gingivitis).

Challenge yourself to make more informed decisions about what you’re consuming. Read the ingredient labels of kombucha drinks and pay close attention to the sugar content.

Kombucha, Acidity, and Tooth Decay

As mentioned earlier, kombucha’s combination of high sugar and high acidity can affect our smiles. The pH levels of most kombucha drinks range from 2.5 to 3.5. (If you’ve forgotten your high-school chemistry, the lower the number, the more acidic the solution.) For reference, white vinegar is around 2.4.

The probability of enamel erosion and tooth decay is much greater when we consume acidic beverages like kombucha. According to Dr. Joe Dill, DDS and VP of Dental Science & Network Strategy for Delta Dental, “Kombucha is more acidic than water and can wear away the white enamel layer of one’s teeth. This makes them sensitive and more prone to decay. Over time, it can make your teeth appear brown, since this exposes the darker dentin under the enamel.” Like coffee and tea, kombucha can stain your teeth.

Is Organic Kombucha Healthier?

“Organic” doesn’t necessarily imply that a product is healthy for our bodies or teeth; even organic kombucha goes through a fair amount of processing. Kombucha manufacturers often pasteurize the beverage to keep it more shelf-stable, killing the live bacteria in the process and destroying any probiotic benefits. Regardless of how the kombucha is made, its high levels of acidity and sugar remain.

Kombucha Health Drink: Stop Or Not?

Should you stop drinking kombucha? Probably not. But you can fight the negative effects with a few easy tricks:

Know your brands. Read labels for ingredients and sugar content.
Drink it fast. Don’t sip on kombucha over long periods of time. This gives the bacteria in your mouth more time to create problems for your teeth and gums.
Use a straw. Position the straw behind your teeth when using one to minimize the direct exposure to your teeth.
Consume with food. Eating healthy food low in sugar can help remove some of the acid and sugars from your mouth before the bacteria has a chance to work.
Drink water too. Drinking water can wash away much of the acid and sugars in your mouth. Even a quick rinsing with water can be beneficial.

If you read labels, work on combatting the drink’s negative effects on your mouth, brush your teeth twice per day, and floss at least once a day, kombucha can be safely added to your list of favorite drinks.

As Dr. Dill notes, “Kombucha is loaded with probiotics that are important for digestion and a healthy digestive tract. As with all good things, moderation is the key.” To learn more about some healthy food options, lifestyle choices, and recipes for good oral health, click here.

Kids Are Using Too Much Toothpaste | Bad Dental Health Habits

06/11/2019 read Children's Oral Health

You might know it’s important for children to start brushing their teeth as soon as they have teeth to brush. However, do you know there’s a right way and a wrong way to brush? And do you know the right way?

These four brushing tips can help get your child off to a good start.

Be Sensible With Toothpaste

Let’s start at the very beginning, with the stuff you put on your brush.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, roughly 40% of children between the ages of 3 and 6 use too much toothpaste. While the fluoride in toothpaste is vital in preventing tooth decay, too much fluoride can cause kids’ tooth enamel to become discolored. The discoloration is usually in the form of small white spots and doesn’t harm the tooth, but it can easily be avoided by following these recommendations.

Respect the Daily Brushing Routine

Make brushing and flossing a normal part of the day. By insisting that your kids brush and floss once in the morning and once at night, you’re helping ensure that that behavior carries on forever.

Find the Fun in Oral Health

Brushing and flossing can seem tedious. Get kids engaged by making it a fun experience! Try brushing together, playing a special brushing song, or even making a weekly brush chart with special rewards. Check out other kid’s dental health activities here. Whatever fun brushing tools you decide on, we’re here to help.

Be Age-Appropriate

Are you confident that your child can brush productively, without gnawing on the brush or swallowing toothpaste? If not, they’ll need your help, whether that means prepping the toothpaste or doing the brushing for them. Remember to be gentle and make it fun!

For kids under the age of 3, use an amount equal to the size of a grain of rice. For those in the 3-6 age range, nothing more than the size of a pea is necessary.

Looking for a dentist? Use our handy search tool!

Want more brushing tips? Check out:

Brushing Teeth with Braces | A Dentist’s Guide

Evaluating Dental Plan Options

06/04/2019 read Insurance Resources and Dental Benefits

Purchasing dental insurance can be daunting. It may not be easy to determine which plan and coverage options best meet your needs. Two plans that seem exactly alike could be very different, especially if the plans are offered by competing carriers. Here are four areas you’ll want to review when evaluating dental plan options.

Network Dentists

Dentists who participate in networks agree to accept fees substantially lower than retail. Also, the larger the network, the more likely your dentist participates. With 145,000 dentists in its combined PPO and Premier networks, Delta Dental has the nation’s largest network. To find a network dentist nearby, click here.

Cost Management

Insurance premiums are only one measure of a dental plan’s true cost. You’ll also want to compare each plan’s annual maximum, deductibles, and covered services. Look for a plan that encourages preventive care. Individuals who manage their oral health by seeking preventive care tend to have lower long-term dental costs, as they typically catch issues before they become too serious or expensive.

Service

Customers want to know they’ll be taken care of after signing on with a certain plan. To feel confident that you’ll receive the service you expect, look for service statistics, such as how quickly phones are answered, claims are paid, and problems are resolved. Delta Dental of Wisconsin prides itself on how fast we answer phones and how we handle your questions and requests.

Dental Expertise

Medical and dental coverage are very different. While medical coverage focuses more on treatment, dental coverage concentrates on prevention. Furthermore, building and maintaining an effective dentist network is much different than building a network of medical providers. Look for coverage from a dental expert – one with a commitment to your oral health.

Delta Dental of Wisconsin has worked hard to improve oral health by emphasizing preventive care and making dental coverage accessible to employers and individuals. Delta Dental of Wisconsin offers dental coverage plans that are based on current research and designed to keep people their healthiest and most productive.

5 Reasons to Kick Your Soda Habit

05/28/2019 read Adult Oral Health, Lifestyle

Kick enamel erosion to the curb and use this list to get a complete understanding of just how bad soda is for us:

Soda is one of the top sources of “energy” kids ages 2 to 18 years old are consuming. We call the energy gained from soda “empty calories” because they provide the opposite of what a nutrient-dense food would. The added sugars in soda are associated with a range of chronic diseases: obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cavities. If you drink soda, we hope these 5 facts to kick your soda habit will help you consider ditching the drinks.

Sugar in soda contributes to cavities:

Depending on the size of your soda, one bottle contains anywhere from 1 to 2.5 servings. One study found that for each additional sugary drink serving you consume in one day, your risk of developing cavities increases by 22%. Cavities are 100% preventable. But, when we consume things like soda, we put ourselves at risk unnecessarily. Even when proper dental care is practiced, soda can wreck enamel.

Soda has anywhere from 20 to 70 grams of sugar per serving. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Heart Association (AHA) both recommend daily sugar intakes of 25 grams for women and 38 grams for men.

Soda contributes to plaque:

Sodas add layers of sugar to your teeth that promote the growth of plaque. Plaque is a sticky, colorless film of bacteria that forms on teeth. The bacteria that are naturally present in our mouth consume the sugar we drink (or eat). Then, they excrete a powerful acid. This is why the build-up of plaque contributes to tooth decay. Plaque can also develop on the tooth roots under the gum line. If left untreated, it can cause further problems like a breakdown in the bone supporting the tooth.

Enamel erosion from the acid in soda:

Did you know that enamel is the hardest substance in the body? It’s harder than bone! But, almost anything will begin to break down when it lives in an unfavorable environment. Many soft drinks have an acidity that approaches the level of battery acid.

When cavity bacteria are present in the mouth, they colonize on enamel, form dental plaque, and begin metabolizing carbohydrates for fuel. When you have sugars like sucrose and fructose left over on your teeth, you’re giving the bacteria energy to continue eating. The bacteria produce acid as a result of this. The levels of acidity in your mouth rise, lowering the pH of saliva. This takes a toll on enamel and begins to dissolve the minerals out of your teeth.

Research has found that when the pH drops below 5.5 for long periods or repeatedly, there is a significant chance of developing a cavity in the enamel. For reference, lime juice has a pH of 2.1 and spring water has a pH of 7.4. The lower the number, the higher the acidity.

This article from the American Dental Association documents your favorite sodas as extremely erosive, erosive, or minimally erosive. 39% (or 149 out of 379 beverages tested) were considered “extremely erosive” with a pH of under 3. Soda today is “one of the most significant dietary sources of acid capable” of breaking down our enamel.

Soft drinks can lead to tooth discoloration:

Dark sodas and colas have a history of staining teeth. Highly acidic drinks (including sports or energy drinks) may stain your teeth as they break down the tooth’s enamel. Because enamel is porous, it can absorb the color of the beverage or food you’re consuming.

Soda compromises your overall health:

You may be asking yourself if all this applies to diet sodas. It does. Diet sodas are still highly acidic and put your mouth at risk. When you drink one or more sodas throughout the day, you bathe your teeth in sugar and acid. The effects would be less invasive if you drank the soda in 10 minutes, rinsed with water, and followed up with brushing after. But, that’s not how many of us drink. Ask yourself, do you open a soda at work and sip it at your desk, only to finish it after an hour has gone by?

Oral health professionals agree that the “consumption of sugar and sugary drinks is a strong risk factor for dental erosion and cavities.” Soda negatively impacts more than our teeth. Drinking soda habitually is linked to obesity, tooth decay, and more problems. Certain types of cancer are linked to sugar intake, as well as depression and anxiety. If you’re feeling any symptoms of sluggishness or anxiety, try removing soda from your daily regimen.

Looking for soda alternatives?

There are many healthier alternatives with little to no sugar that can aid in your transition. Consider flavored sparkling water as a replacement. Sparkling waters come in a variety of flavors, and many are sugar-free and much less acidic than sodas.

Be wary of any ingredients ending in “-ose.” These are also types of sugar and include:

Sucrose
Glucose
Dextrose
Fructose
Lactose

Fruit-infused water is another way to get your daily dose of water with a flavorful spin on it. Herbs, citrus, fruits, and veggies (like cucumber) make fantastic additions.

Work on upping your daily water and milk intake. Research shows that individuals who drink soda are not only faced with the oral health risks, but they also consume less water and milk, which have restorative properties.

Looking for more ways to cut down on sugar? Check out:

Recipe: Quick Pumpkin Pudding

Cost Considerations | Restorations and Dentures for Older Adults

05/22/2019 read Adult Oral Health, Insurance Resources and Dental Benefits, Senior Oral Health

Get familiar with common dental procures for older adults and their cost. See why Delta Dental of Wisconsin saves you money on dental care for older adults. Category: Oral Health

Considering the cost of dentures, restorative care, and dental care for older adults? You’re in the right place. Dental care costs for adults over 65 depend mainly on two things: oral health and dental coverage.

We’re now seeing first-hand that dental care, not just age, determines the health of our teeth. Studies indicate that people with dental coverage are more likely to visit the dentist. So, if you or someone you love is approaching retirement age, learn about dental care and coverage for older adults.

Dental Care Coverage Options for Older Adults

Half a century ago, total tooth loss was three times more common than it is today. The dawn of preventive dental care has made it possible for us to keep our natural teeth for a lifetime. Therefore, the current rate of tooth loss is the lowest it has ever been in the United States. Now that we’re keeping our teeth longer than ever before, what coverage options are there to support the older adults’ dental care?

Medicare doesn’t cover routine dental care. Today, basic Medicare only covers select dental procedures:

An oral exam in the hospital for a kidney transplant
An oral exam before a heart valve replacement
Certain radiation treatments or other procedures related to cancer or facial tumors

Medicare also covers some dental-related hospitalizations. For more extensive coverage, Medicare Advantage may be an option. Remember that there are waiting periods when signing up that can range from 6 to 24 months, depending on the extent of the procedure.

Some Medicare Advantage Plans provide coverage for routine dental services though coverage can vary widely from plan to plan and state to state. If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan, contact your plan to learn about covered dental services. Dental coverage providers like Delta Dental contract with Medicare Advantage Plans.

Individual Delta Dental Plans for Older Adults

Individual dental plans will give you the best coverage for maintaining good preventive care. That means instead of waiting for a toothache, you or your loved one should:

See the dentist regularly
Follow the proper daily routine
Eat a balanced diet

Older adults today are receiving much more restorative and preventive care than even 50 years ago. With dental coverage and visiting an in-network dentist for care, you or your loved one can restore smiles for a fraction of what it would cost without insurance.

The American Dental Hygienists’ Association estimated that for every $1 spent on preventive dental care, we save between $8 and $50. Preventive care prevents us from needing more expensive restorative or emergency procedures. Dental coverage maintains a healthy mouth and stops problems from developing – or worse, going unnoticed.

We used FAIR Health Consumer to document the cost of common procedures when you don’t have dental coverage:

Don’t forget about the cost of upkeep! As dentures and other dental appliances are used, they get worn down. This means they require repair or replacement over the years, which most of our plans cover.

When dental appliances aren’t maintained, they end up not fitting correctly. Dental appliances including dentures or bridges can improve a patient’s:

Chewing comfort
Chewing ability
Eating enjoyment
Food choices
Security
Speech (after each denture modification, and with new dentures)

The best way to save money on your mouth? Practice a good oral health routine every day. Neglecting to care for appliances or restorative care ends up being more uncomfortable and costly for you.

Click here for advice on proper denture care.

Click here for advice on dental care for older adults.

Delta Dental’s comprehensive oral health coverage protects the smile – and the health – of people 65 and older. We offer:

Up to 100% coverage available for preventive and diagnostic care
Discounts on restorative treatment provided by Delta Dental PPO dentists (depending on your plan)
No waiting period for care when transferring over from another qualifying dental plan
More dentists to choose from courtesy of the largest nation-wide network
No administrative hassles – the dentist takes care of the paperwork
Added member protections when seeing an in-network provider including treatment guarantees and no balance billing

We have a broad network of dentists who accept our benefits. We contract pricing with our dentists so you never have to worry about negotiating or not knowing costs. Click here to check out our Delta Dental Cost Estimator. Input your zip code for a cost estimate of a procedure before you even set foot in a dental office.

Don’t have a plan yet? Learn more about getting dental benefits.

Looking for more on dental care for older adults? Click here to read:

Do Retirees Still Need Dental Coverage?

4 Ways You Could Be At Risk for Tooth Loss

05/14/2019 read Adult Oral Health, Senior Oral Health

Did you know you may be able to control some factors that cause tooth loss? Discover the most common causes of tooth loss so you can work to fight them.

Older Americans are keeping their teeth longer than ever. Here’s more good news: Some causes of tooth loss can be in your control. That’s why it is so important to maintain a good oral health routine and visit your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings. Get to know the top causes of tooth loss so you can keep your smile healthy:

Gum disease

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is the #1 cause of tooth loss among adults – accounting for 70 percent of missing teeth. It begins with bacteria and inflammation in the gums. As it progresses, it destroys the gum tissues and can destroy the jawbone underneath the gums, resulting in no support for the teeth.

Cavities

Cavities are holes in teeth caused by a bacterial infection that turns into tooth decay. If untreated, a cavity can destroy the pulp in the center of the tooth, which will likely result in a root canal or even removal of the tooth. Prevent cavities by practicing good oral health habits, choosing healthy foods and drinks, and making regular trips to the dentist for early detection. Early treatment can save your tooth.

Physical injury or trauma

Accidents happen, especially during sports, which is why mouth guards are important. Falls, car accidents, and more can also cause tooth loss. However, you can be vigilant to avoid some common causes of tooth loss or damage through accidents. Don’t use your teeth to remove caps, tops, or lids; to loosen knots; tear off tags; or cut thread. Nor should you use your teeth to chew ice, open nut shells, or chew on popcorn kernels if you want to make sure your teeth stay intact.

Other diseases and risk factors

In addition to periodontal disease, these diseases and risk factors can lead to tooth loss:

Diabetes
Hypertension
Arthritis
Smoking
Poor nutrition

Be sure to mention any diseases and lifestyle factors to your dentist so you can work together to prevent tooth loss.

Top 3 Dental Health Risks in Older Adults

04/23/2019 read Senior Oral Health

dental health related changes in older adults

Older adults can expect to experience a few age-related changes in their lifetime including problems with the teeth and gums. They may not be as concerned about the color of their braces or how much money the tooth fairy gives out anymore, but avoiding poor dental health in older adulthood requires consistent smile care.

Use our tips to avoid these three common dental health challenges that older adults encounter:

Tooth Decay

Many people associate cavities with children chomping on candy. But tooth decay is actually a common chronic problem for people 65 and older. According to the Center for Disease Control, 20% of adults aged 65 and older currently have untreated tooth decay.

Today, people are capable of keeping the majority of their teeth for their entire life. Tooth loss isn’t connected to aging, but to poor oral hygiene and contributing medical conditions. Oral health concerns like tooth decay increase as gums recede away from teeth and root surfaces become exposed.

Mitigating this requires frequent attention both at home and from the dentist. The trouble is that many older adults don’t go to the dentist as often as they used to. 30% of older adults have problems with reliable transportation. Whether it’s due to mobility and independence issues or a lack of dental benefits, cavities often go untreated for longer than they should. Keeping regular dentist appointments is the key to maintaining dental health in older adulthood.

Dry Mouth

Did you know that saliva plays an important role in protecting your teeth and gums from plaque and other unhealthy bacteria? This means that people who experience dry mouth, which can be caused by medications, often see an increase in tooth decay.

To counter this, drink more water and limit your intake of caffeine and alcohol, and consider non-alcoholic mouthwashes. Even humidifiers can help make a difference. Check with your physician or dentist if you think your medications are causing your mouth to feel dry; they may be able to prescribe an alternative.

Periodontal Disease

Also known as gum disease, this disease affects people of all ages, but it worsens the longer it’s left untreated. While there are many factors that cause it, a foundation of proper brushing and flossing can prevent gum disease.

Older adults who have trouble gripping a standard toothbrush should ask their dentist for a modified toothbrush to better accommodate their ability to grip. They may also want to consider a battery-powered toothbrush. Additionally, regular trips to the dentist are vital. Your dentist will be able to detect the presence of gum disease and create an oral health plan with you to treat it.

Quality dental health for older adults isn’t something that takes a lot of time and work; however, combating age-related changes does require dedication to healthy habits.

Follow these tried-and-true tips for a smile that will last:

Brush teeth twice a day
Floss daily
Drink fluoridated water and use fluoridated toothpaste
Avoid tobacco products
Schedule regular appointments with the dentist

If you need to make an appointment with a dentist, use our search tool.