The document discusses the importance of dental health for the elderly population. It explains that poor dental health can lead to inflammation in the mouth from an imbalance of bacteria, which has been linked to various health problems. The document provides tips for common dental problems seen in elderly patients and solutions to address them, such as using special toothbrushes for those with dexterity issues or seeing a dentist about ill-fitting dentures.

1. Importance of Dental Health
in Elderly Population
Presentation by Nebraska Family Dentistry

2. What does it mean to have a
healthy mouth?
According to the latest research, these are the
things we discuss with patients:
∙ Taking Probiotics
∙ Taking Vitamin D/ Vitamin C
∙ Flossing Daily
∙ Brushing
∙ Drinking lots of water
∙ Not drinking anything with acids:
pop, sport drinks, juices
∙ Getting professional cleanings
∙ Eating fresh, unprocessed foods

3. The challenges we encounter as dental professionals is that only a
few patients actually do these things. We see dental problems
every day. Following those guidelines for a healthy mouth
becomes a real challenge among our elderly patients.

4. “
Today is about :
∙ Connecting the importance of dental health to overall health.
∙ Giving you tips on how to help elderly patients have optimal dental
health and how to recognize a potential problem at hand.

5. Dental and Overall Health
Connection Explained
Lately in the news we have heard
many messages about dental
health and the relationship to
overall health.
According to the latest research, it
is more than that. It is about our
mouth being a main source of
bacteria: good, bad and a
mis-balance can lead to the Acute
or Chronic Inflammation which in
turn, can affect overall well-being.

6. Inflammation in the Mouth
More than 500 species of bacteria can be found
in the oral cavity of a healthy mouth. They can
be beneficial or harmful to the health of your
mouth. The “good” bacteria, also referred to as
probiotics, can aid in digestion, synthesize
vitamins, and protect our mouths from the “bad”
bacteria. The bad bacteria is often what causes
diseases as well as various mouth-related
health problems. Some of which may include
bad breath, gingivitis, periodontitis, cavities,
and plaque build-up.
Taking note of the bacteria and toxin levels in
our mouths isn’t just crucial for the health of our
mouths, but our entire bodies. Infections and
bacterial overgrowth in the mouth can affect the
entire body, moving throughout and causing
other health problems such as heart disease,
bacterial pneumonia, diabetes, and low birth
weight.
Disbalance of bacteria is the reason for:
● Acute Vs. Chronic inflammation
● Chronic inflammation can ultimately increase
systemic inflammatory markers.

7. The mouth is a window into our body
Taking good care of teeth and gums is not only about preventing cavities, gum disease or bad
breath. It is about preventing inflammation in our mouth and preventing overall health problems
associated with this inflammation. The most common signs we see in the oral cavity that are
associated with an increase of systemic inflammation are
gingivitis, periodontal disease and generalized cavities.

8. Dental and Overall Health
Connection Explained
Research is showing a relationship between
periodontitis and other inflammatory conditions
like RA, celiac disease, thyroid disease, heart
disease, atherosclerosis, type 1 diabetes and
Alzheimer’s. These conditions share autoimmune
characteristics, but which came first? Is there a
causal link between them?
The answer is not yet clear.
We do know that in patients with uncontrolled
periodontal disease or decay, we see an increase in
certain conditions:
● Endocarditis
● Cardiovascular disease
● Respiratory
Bacteria can be aspirated into
the lungs and cause bronchitis,
emphysema, and pneumonia.
● Osteoporosis
● Sjogren's syndrome
● Alzheimer’s disease
● GI problems
Those conditions correlated with an increase in oral
inflammatory markers.

9. What occurs as people age?
The top three things affected in geriatric patients
and oral health.
● Decreased Dexterity:
Inability to brush and floss.
● Dry mouth due to medications taken.
● Ill fitting dentures.
If any of the conditions mentioned happen,
there is a mis-balance of bacteria leading to
more harmful bacteria. Therefore, increasing the
likelihood of certain conditions:
● Dry mouth
● Periodontal disease
● Candida in the mouth
● Ulcers

10. ● Decreased salivary flow is a common side effect of most medications.
According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention over 400 commonly
used medications can contribute to dry mouth.

11. Let’s go over some common dental problems we see in elderly patients. I will also give you
ideas of easy ways that you can help the elderly prevent and recognize dental problems.
Basically, it’s helping them decrease the bad bacteria and increase the good bacteria.
Some of them may apply and some may not...

12. Problem #1 | Decay on teeth:
Solution:
See a dentist because most cavities do not hurt
and actually have no symptoms unless, it reaches
the nerve of the tooth. Many teeth have nerve
space that shrinks over time and cavities may
never hurt unless there is an abscess that forms.
∙ Brushing daily to prevent more cavities.
∙ Using a special toothbrush for patients with
poor dexterity.
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decay on teeth or failing dental work

13. Problem #2 | Acute Inflammation-Gingivitis:
Solution:
Gingivitis is easily reversible by controlling the
plaque. Brushing thoroughly twice daily, flossing
and receiving professional cleanings regularly can
reverse gingivitis within just a few days.
∙ Brushing daily to prevent more cavities.
∙ Using a special toothbrush for patients with
poor dexterity.
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presents due to plaque accumulation around the gum-line
which is constantly forming on the teeth

14. Problem #3 | Chronic Inflammation-Chronic Periodontitis:
Solution:
To treat Periodontal Disease
∙ Complete the deep cleaning treatment at the dentist
office.
∙ Regular daily plaque control at home, including
brushing and flossing.
∙ Using a special toothbrush for patients with
poor dexterity.
∙ Take probiotics, vitamin D and drink lots of water.
∙ Have maintenance cleanings at the dentist office
every 3-4 months to keep periodontal disease
in remission.
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Chronic inflammation is due to imbalance of bacteria leading to bone loss

15. Problem #4 | Bad Breath:
Solution:
Using coconut oil for coconut oil pulling
The antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties of the
medium chain fatty acids/triglycerides (MCTs) found in coconut
oil make it a perfect solution to inactivate microorganisms, such
bacteria, yeast, fungi and enveloped viruses.
∙ Listerine is not a good choice as it dries mouth even further.
∙ Drink more water.
∙ Tongue scraping.
∙ Take probiotics.
∙ See a MD for GI problems.
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Overpopulation of bad bacteria from failing dental work or gum disease

16. Problem #5 | White patches in a mouth/Candida
Solution:
Depending on the severity
A. Severe Cases treated with antifungal prescription
B. Not so severe treated with coconut oil as it can dramatically reduce white
patches.
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∙ Tongue scraping
∙ Taking Probiotics
Fungal infection caused by overgrowth of candida albicans.
More likely to occur in patients with reduced immunity.

17. Problem #6 | Red ulcerated areas under dentures
Solution:
See a dentist to adjust partial or denture.
Orabase or orajel can help with areas of
sensitivity or pain.
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Ill fitting denture

18. Problem #7 | Ill Fitting Denture
Solution:
∙ To keep partials as long as possible
to allow retaining of HEALTHY
natural teeth.
∙ To avoid dentures for the elderly.
∙ To learn about implant retained
dentures and Hybrid Prosthesis.
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Bone loss due to wearing dentures and not having implants

19. It is never too late.
The Story of Dan:
When Dan came to see Dr. Brad Alderman, he was
complaining of soreness in his mouth and had a
desire to extract his remaining teeth. From talking to
his friends and family, Dan knew he did not want
traditional dentures. Dan was looking for a permanent
replacement of his teeth. He wanted to have
something that would look and feel like the natural
teeth he used to have.
Besides wanting a permanent solution for replacing
his teeth, his health was affected by his remaining
infected teeth. Dan’s physician suggested removing
the teeth as soon as possible to eliminate the bacteria
and inflammation. Dan’s doctor was positive that
removing the diseased teeth would improve Dan’s
health.”

20. It is never too late. (continued)
Dan proceeded with the hybrid prosthesis. In his recent
check up appointment, he stated: “It took about two
weeks after the implant placement for my implant bridges
to feel better. After two weeks, I started having more
energy, and the general drowsiness was gone. I had an
easier time controlling my diabetes and my doctor
confirmed it with a blood test. I enjoy eating with my new
teeth, and it is great to know that I do not have to use
any denture glue or have a cup to put my dentures in
overnight.”

21. Problem #8 | Red Tongue
Solution:
Visit dentist and physician to verify
cause of red tongue.
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Increase in bacteria and inflammation.
Caused from folic acid, B12, or iron deficiency.

22. Problem #9 | Oral sore that does not heal
Solution:
See your dentist to verify the next step such
as a biopsy.
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Oral cancer or ill fitting denture

23. Problem #9 | Corners of a mouth dry
Solution:
Checkin in with a physician to
check on deficiency and cause.
Vitamin C deficiency is the most common.
Apply Vaseline to the corners of the mouth.
Check for an ill fitting denture. Patient may be over closing due
to poor fitting denture.
Inflammation leading to redness and cracks on the corner of the
mouth. Usually due to deficiency in vitamin D and C.

24. Brought to you by Nebraska Family Dentistry
Find more information at
nebraskafamilydentistry.com