Why Oral Care is Especially Important for the Elderly

Here are a few reasons why oral health should be of particular importance for the elderly…

​​​​​Infections Can Be Deadly

• Oral infections that can lead to trouble such as decay and gum disease, can also lead to more serious infections in the lungs, such as Pneumonia, or Heart Disease.
• Pneumonia infections account for approximately half of all infections in nursing homes and are the leading cause of death from infection in older adults.
• Aspiration pneumonia originates from the oral cavity. Research shows our elder population experiencing functional decline, such as cognitive impairment, stroke, and compromised swallowing ability, can minimize the risk of this infection significantly with professional oral care.

Increased Risk for Disease

• Poor oral health can contribute to poor eating habits in the elderly, reducing vital nutrition for overall health.  Periodontal Disease, loose painful teeth or ill-fitting dentures may result in a reduced desire or ability to eat. A compromised nutritional status weakens the immune system increasing the risk of disease.

Medication Use

• Many older adults require medication that often increases the risk of a dry mouth. Saliva protects the teeth from decay and helps prevent oral infections. If left untreated, chronic dry mouth can lead to gum disease and cavities, affecting the ability to eat or drink comfortably.​​

Because oral health care is often overlooked in older adults, scheduling a visit with Mindy for In Home Dental Hygiene Services can reduce risk for a dental emergency.