65+
Years
If you have a dental problem you should, in the first instance always phone the dental practice that you normally attend.
If you have a dental emergency, please click here for more information
Some of the more common health issues experienced by those over 65 relate to oral health.
More than three quarters of those aged over 65 in Grampian still have natural teeth, often in poor condition. Even for those with no natural teeth remaining, a regular oral care routine is essential for overall health and quality of life. An unhealthy mouth can cause pain, make communication difficult and can also limit food choice, increasing the risk of malnutrition. Poor oral health can also increase the risk of developing respiratory infections, including pneumonia.
Common Questions Below
For those with false teeth, dentures or no remaining teeth
Dentures or false teeth must be cleaned daily to remove plaque and food residue. The general rule is to ‘Brush, Soak, Rinse.’ Remove your dentures and brush them using a toothbrush with soft-to-medium strength bristles and either denture cream or antibacterial handwash and water. Avoid using toothpaste as this is too abrasive and will scratch the denture. Also, be sure to always clean dentures over a bowl of water or towel in case you drop them.
After brushing, soak the dentures in denture cleaner or antibacterial handwash and water. For dentures which have metal components, use dilute chlorohexidine to avoid corrosion. Finally, give the dentures a thorough rinse to remove any loosened food particles before returning to the mouth.
Dentists usually advise removal of the dentures overnight to allow the mouth to rest. If the dentures are removed at any time, they must be left in cold or room temperature water to prevent them cracking or losing their shape.
Even if you have no natural teeth remaining, it’s important to maintain a regular oral hygiene routine to keep the mouth healthy and feeling good. Daily brushing of the gums and tongue with a soft bristled toothbrush and toothpaste will help remove food particles and any bacteria which may be present. This keeps the mouth clean, breath fresh and reduces the risk of gum problems, pneumonia and other common medical conditions.
For those with natural teeth
You should brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and a small headed toothbrush with soft to medium strength bristles. If you have difficulty handling a toothbrush, you could try wrapping the toothbrush with a cohesive bandage.
Medical conditions such as arthritis can make it difficult for some people to maintain a regular brushing routine and this is where care providers can be of help.
Our Care Providers page contains some helpful advice for assisting someone to brush their teeth. For those with conditions such as Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease however, brushing can be traumatic and may cause harm if done incorrectly. Your dentist or hygienist will be able to advise you on the best methods of oral health prevention in these circumstances.
Mouth Cancer
It is important to visit the dentist regularly for a check-up, both to maintain a healthy mouth and to check for signs of mouth cancer. 80% of new cases of mouth cancer are diagnosed in those over 50.
If you have any white or red spots, sores in the mouth or ulcers that do not heal after 2 weeks, please call your dentist to book an appointment – and explain these symptoms over the phone when you do…
For more information about oral cancer, please click here.
If you would like to know what practices are registering NHS patients in Grampian, please follow click here.
Dry Mouth
Many people ages 65+ also experience ‘dry mouth,’ a condition which affects the flow of saliva, causing it to become thick and sticky. This can have a harmful effect on their nutritional state as without enough saliva, eating and swallowing can become difficult. It can also harm oral health as saliva helps to fight the bacteria which cause diseases of the teeth and gums. Whilst there is no cure for the condition, your dentist or pharmacist can recommend products to ease the symptoms. Sipping water or chewing sugar free gum can also provide temporary relief.
If you provide care as part of your professional role, Health Scotland have developed a series of oral care plans which can be used to help you support their oral health. Adapted versions of these resources can be downloaded on the Care Providers page.