How is Dental Health Impacted by Age?

Oral health is essential for healthy aging. However, new research indicates that many older adults living in nursing homes have significant dental issues. The consequences extend beyond the mouth and can impact the overall health of individuals -- especially when it comes to nutritional intake. 
 
“Poor oral health can hider a person’s ability to chew properly, which can eventually lead to malnutrition. In addition, bacteria from gum infections can enter the bloodstream, increasing risk for heart disease and other conditions,” explained Dr. Natalia Chalmers, chief dental office at the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
 
Chalmers and colleagues analyzed data on the oral health of Medicare beneficiaries living in nursing homes in 2020. The data revealed that many residents had the following dental issues:

• No natural teeth 
• Broken natural teeth or dentures
• Cavities
• Difficulty chewing
• Inflamed gums

 
Why do many nursing home residents have declining dental health? More than half of older adults receiving Medicare don’t have dental coverage. Traditional Medicare does not cover the following dental services:

• Routine exams
• Cleanings
• X-rays
• Fillings and crowns
• Dentures

 
Denise Mann of Medical Xpress noted that individuals who have three or more chronic health conditions were more likely to have dental issues. Additionally, residents in nursing homes in rural areas had an increased risk of experiencing dental problems when compared to people in urban nursing homes. 
 
Research has also shown:

• About 2 in 10 residents have missing teeth
• 8% have broken teeth/cavities
• 11% report pain while chewing

 
To maintain dental health, it is important that your loved ones are brushing and flossing their teeth daily and have established care with a dentist. If your loved one is in a nursing home, it’s important to have clear communication with the facility about what their oral care routine will look like and what type of toothbrush and toothpaste is recommended. Additionally, maintaining dental appointments is imperative for early detection of dental issues.
 
If you have any questions about home care for your loved ones, you can contact us. You can also check out the rest of our blog posts on our website.

​Written by Madison Chalmers

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