Tooth loss can be a symptom of poor oral health or lack of affordable dental care. Many older Americans do not have dental insurance because they lost their benefits upon retirement.
Seniors with the poorest oral health tend to be those who are economically disadvantaged, lack insurance, and are members of racial and ethnic minorities. Being disabled, homebound, or in nursing homes also increases the risk of poor oral health.
The consequences can affect people’s overall health including a negative impact on their social and emotional well-being.
Is there a connection?
The link between tooth loss and poorer memory performance became insignificant when researchers took into account a list of factors, such as gender, smoking, drinking, depression, physical health, and most importantly, socioeconomic status (income, education and occupation).
A study – which examined over 60,000 adults 65 and older – found that seniors who suffered from significant tooth loss were less functional – both mentally and physically – when compared to seniors who had lost fewer teeth.
Oral health and cognitive decline
Researchers have found people with common oral health problems such as tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss have a significantly higher risk for developing chronic illnesses. These illnesses include everything from heart disease and diabetes to arthritis and cancer.
Oral health problems in older adults include the following:
- Untreated tooth decay. Nearly all adults (96%) aged 65 years or older have had a cavity; 1 in 5 have untreated tooth decay.
- Gum disease. A high percentage of older adults have gum disease. About 2 in 3 (68%) adults aged 65 years or older have gum disease.
- Tooth loss. Nearly 1 in 5 of adults aged 65 or older have lost all of their teeth. Complete tooth loss is twice as prevalent among adults aged 75 and older (26%) compared with adults aged 65-74 (13%).3 Having missing teeth or wearing dentures can affect nutrition, because people without teeth or with dentures often prefer soft, easily chewed foods instead of foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Oral cancer. Cancers of the mouth (oral and pharyngeal cancers) are primarily diagnosed in older adults; median age at diagnosis is 62 years.
- Chronic disease. Most older Americans take both prescription and over-the-counter drugs; many of these medications can cause dry mouth. Reduced saliva flow increases the risk of cavities.
Studies found a connection that links oral health to cognitive function. Perceived stress may have a negative effect on our oral health which could lead to mental decline among senior patients. In most cases, tooth loss is the eventual outcome of periodontitis, making this a potentially preventable/modifiable risk factor for cognitive impairment and dementia.
The key to improved oral health
Seniors with poor oral health can be problematic. In addition to the results of these studies, poor oral health has also been linked to an increased risk of health problems.
Senior oral health matters. That’s why at Superior Home Care Service, we encourage seniors to work to maintain and improve their oral health. Daily brushing and flossing is what we try to make a top priority in order for seniors to truly enjoy their golden years.
