Maintaining good oral health as you age is about so much more than preventing cavities. Your mouth plays an important role in your ability to chew, swallow, taste food, maintain good nutrition, and stay healthy.
In this final episode of our five-part series on oral health in older adults on The Geriatric Dietitian Podcast, we’re bringing everything together and focusing on practical steps you can take to maintain good oral health as you age.
Many oral health problems are preventable, and small habits practiced consistently over time can make a tremendous difference.
As a reminder, I am a registered dietitian, not a dental professional. This information is educational and is never a substitute for individualized medical or dental care. Be sure to work with your healthcare team and see your dentist and dental hygienist regularly.
You can also listen to the podcast on Apple Podcasts here.
Maintaining Good Oral Health Starts With Brushing
Let’s start with the basics: brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoridated toothpaste. If you aren’t brushing your teeth regularly right now, maybe start with once a day. Twice a day is the goal.
An electric toothbrush, such as a Sonicare or Oral-B, may also be helpful, especially if you don’t have the strength or dexterity that you used to. Sometimes investing in a good toothbrush can even make brushing a little more enjoyable and help you stay consistent.
Floss Every Day
Flossing is another important part of maintaining good oral health.
I worked in home care for 13 years, and I would always ask my clients whether they brushed and flossed. It was very rare to encounter someone who flossed regularly. And almost every time I encountered someone who flossed, they still had all of their teeth.
Flossing helps clean between the teeth where your toothbrush simply can’t reach. Food can also become stuck between the teeth and contribute to irritation and problems with the gums.
One simple strategy is to keep floss somewhere you’ll actually use it. Keep it near where you watch TV, on your nightstand, or somewhere else that is easy to access. Whether you prefer string floss or floss picks, find something that works for you.
Denture Care Is Still Oral Care
If you wear dentures, you still need daily oral care. A common misconception is that once someone has dentures, they no longer need to worry about oral hygiene. That simply isn’t true.
Dentures can collect bacteria just like natural teeth, and food can become trapped underneath them. This can contribute to sore spots and irritation. Dentures should be removed and cleaned every day. It is also important to gently brush your gums, tongue, and the roof of your mouth.
Taking care of your dentures and your entire mouth is an important part of maintaining good oral health.
Don’t Ignore Dry Mouth
Saliva does much more than most people realize. It helps us chew, swallow, and taste food, but it also helps protect our teeth from cavities and gum disease.
If your mouth constantly feels dry, bring it up with your healthcare provider or dentist. Sometimes medications contribute to dry mouth, and your healthcare team may be able to recommend strategies that can help.
Simple things that may help include:
- Sipping water throughout the day
- Chewing sugar-free gum, if appropriate
- Drinking fluids with meals
- Keeping up with regular dental care
Nutrition and Oral Health
Nutrition also plays an important role in maintaining good oral health.
Eating a balanced diet provides nutrients such as calcium, vitamin D, and phosphorus that support healthy teeth. At the same time, limiting sugary foods and drinks can help reduce your risk of tooth decay. One issue we often see is someone sipping a sugary beverage throughout the day. This continually exposes the teeth to sugar.
If you are going to drink a sugary beverage, drinking it in one sitting instead of sipping it throughout the entire day can help limit that exposure. Then brush your teeth and get that sugar off of them. Small things can help protect your teeth over time.
See Your Dentist Regularly
Another important habit is seeing your dentist regularly. One of the best ways to prevent major dental problems is to catch them early. Regular cleanings and dental exams can identify cavities, gum disease, and other concerns before they become bigger problems.
Earlier treatment can often mean less pain, lower costs, and better long-term outcomes.
I understand that not everyone has dental insurance. There may still be options available. Some dental offices offer membership programs where you pay a monthly fee for preventive care such as cleanings and exams. Community programs and other lower-cost dental resources may also be available.
I went through a season myself when I didn’t have dental insurance, so I didn’t go to the dentist. Looking back, I didn’t realize how many local offices had options available for people paying out of pocket.
Even if you don’t have dental insurance, it is worth looking into what resources may be available in your community.
And if you’ve been avoiding the dentist because you’re worried you already have cavities or other dental problems, putting it off isn’t going to make those problems disappear.
Getting evaluated allows you to create a treatment plan and start addressing the problems one step at a time.
Oral Care for Caregivers
I also want to speak to caregivers. If you are caring for an older adult with dementia, Parkinson’s disease, arthritis, weakness following a stroke, or another condition that makes brushing difficult, they may need your help with oral care.
Sometimes this may simply mean reminding someone to brush their teeth or setting a timer so they know how long to brush.
Other times, you may need to:
- Set out the toothbrush
- Modify the toothbrush handle so it is easier to hold
- Help make sure they reach all areas of the mouth
- Physically assist with brushing or flossing
There are so many things on a caregiver’s plate, and oral care can easily get overlooked. But helping someone care for their mouth is an important part of caring for their overall health.
Barriers to Dental Care Are Real
Taking care of oral health isn’t always easy.
Dental care can be expensive. Many older adults don’t have dental insurance after retirement. Transportation to the dentist can be difficult, particularly for someone who is homebound or no longer drives. Dental anxiety can also keep people from scheduling appointments.
These are real barriers.
If this is your situation, start with one small step.
Maybe that means scheduling a dental appointment you’ve been putting off. Maybe it means asking a family member to help you find an affordable dentist. Or maybe it means looking into community health centers, dental schools, or other local programs that offer lower-cost dental care.
It might even mean buying a new toothbrush and some floss and starting there.
Small steps really do add up over time.
Maintaining Good Oral Health: The Takeaway
The mouth is the first route of nutrition.
Taking care of your mouth helps you continue to enjoy the foods you love. It supports good nutrition. It helps preserve independence, reduces the risk of malnutrition, and can even reduce the risk of aspiration pneumonia.
Good oral health is about so much more than teeth.
It’s about protecting your overall health, maintaining your quality of life, and preserving one of life’s greatest joys: enjoying a meal with people you love.
I hope this oral health series has encouraged you to take one small step toward better oral health today.
And don’t forget to brush and floss!
More From The Geriatric Dietitian
Want more nutrition information to support healthy aging?
Get the FREE Healthy Aging Nutrition Guide:
https://thegeriatricdietitian.myflodesk.com/