Gum Disease in Seniors: Why Is It So Common and How Can It Be Prevented?

Older people tend to have more dental health issues, but gum disease is a particularly prevalent problem after the age of sixty. While this can be in part due to the aging process, in many cases it has a lot to do with the gums enduring decades of bad habits and the onset of other health conditions. Here are a few reasons gum health can decline in your senior years and a few ways to keep them happy and healthy for decades to come.

Medications and Substance Abuse Can Make Gum Disease More Likely

Healthy saliva flow helps keep the gums clean, and smoking, certain medications, and excessive alcohol consumption can cause dry mouth. Smoking also causes the gums to harden and the blood vessels inside them to constrict, making it harder for the immune system to fight infections or reduce inflammation. It also disrupts the healing process, which means the gums will have difficulty recovering after an infection.

Diabetes and Gum Disease Feed on Each Other

People become more likely to develop diabetes as they age, and this condition can disrupt the body’s response to infections and inflammation. For this reason, someone with diabetes will probably have a harder time fighting off and recovering from gum disease. To make matters worse, chronic gum disease is very taxing on the immune system, which can strain the endocrine system over time. Having gum disease and diabetes together can result in a vicious cycle of one making the other worse.

Other Health Issues Can Make Oral Hygiene Harder to Perform

Many people find that as they age, they have difficulty with memory. They may also develop issues such as arthritis or depression that can make it hard to perform the motions of daily living. When it becomes painful or hard to remember to brush and floss every day, people become less likely to do it. The problem becomes even worse if the patient is having difficulty cooking and eating balanced meals. In particular, vitamin C deficiency can make someone more susceptible to gum disease.

To prevent or reverse gum disease, it is crucial to practice excellent oral hygiene, keep up with regular dental appointments, have good nutrition habits, and get help when you need it. Keeping hydrated and getting enough Vitamin C are especially important to keeping your gums healthy and your immune system working properly. You should also stay mindful of your saliva flow and avoid behaviors that can inhibit it. If you require assistance, talking with friends, family, or your dentist may help you find the support you need.

About the Practice

Pace Dental of Vienna provides top-notch dental care to the community of Vienna, VA. Led by Drs. Ahmed Saad and Olga Spivak, the dedicated staff delivers the kind of personalized, friendly service that builds lasting patient loyalty. Areas of expertise include general, cosmetic, restorative, and emergency dentistry in addition to gum disease treatments. For more information on dealing with gum disease at later ages, contact the office online or dial (703) 705-7476.