H E A L T H Y   S M I L E S   F O R   A   L I F E T I M E

​M A R Y  M  F I S H E R,  D D S ​​

Oral Care & The Elderly

Oral Diseases Found in the Elderly​

  • Tooth decay
  • Gum disease
  • Dry mouth
  • Ill-fitting dentures
  • Oral cancer

Ill-fitting Dentures

Problems Caused by Oral Diseases in the Elderly​​​

  • Pain
  • Systemic infection
  • Loss of oral function:
    -        difficulty eating
    -        impaired nutritional intake
    -        poor taste
    -        poor communication
    -        poor interpersonal contacts

Prevention of Oral Disease​

​​Oral Care for Individuals with Teeth:

  • Daily brushing and flossing:
    -        2-3 times per day
    -        After each meal and before bedtime
  • Regular dental visits every 3-4 months
  • Monthly or bi-monthly dental visits for those patients with advanced dementia​

PREVENTION is the key to healthy living.  To maintain optimal oral health throughout a lifetime means daily oral care and regular professional care must be a priority.   With appropriate daily oral care and regular oral examinations and teeth cleaning, a dentition can be maintained for a lifetime. 

Poor oral hygiene, dry mouth and tooth decay

​Oral Care for Individuals with Dentures:

  • ​Daily removal of dentures at night: dentures should be cleaned with a toothbrush & toothpaste and placed in a denture cup with water and a tablet of effervescent denture cleanser overnight
  • Regular dental visits every 6 months