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 A
condition common to the elderly whereby saliva flow is decreased.
The causes can include certain medical conditions, certain
medications such as antihistamines, pain relievers and decongestants,
among others. Dry mouth can be exacerbated by ill-fitting
dental appliances such as full or partial dentures. Patients
with dry mouth are at higher risk for tooth decay and periodontal
disease due to decreased saliva. Saliva is the natural cleanser
of the mouth, without it plaque accumulates faster. Saliva
also buffers acid produced by the body (acid reflux) and
acid produced by the bacteria that cause tooth decay and
periodontal disease. Patients are urged to see their dentist
and/or physician to evaluate this condition. Certain products
are available that can help alleviate this condition such
as artificial saliva replacement drops, oral rinses such
as Biotene mouthrinse and Oral Balance moisturizing oral
rinse. Sugarless lemon drops have also been found to be
an excellent saliva stimulant that can help increase saliva
flow. Beware that most cough drops and mints contain sugar
and will cause severe decay if used daily.
Do you have dry mouth?
(PDF)
Oral
Moisturizers (PDF)
Excessive tooth wear can cause loss of height of teeth
which can lead to TMJ pain. With the increased wear of teeth
over the years, many seniors may notice an unaesthetic appearance.
Teeth can become unsightly and can make one appear older
than they really are. Teeth can also stain, especially since
these areas of enamel wear are excellent places for debris
and plaque to accumulate and stain over the years. Also,
as the protective enamel wear occurs, the yellowish dentin
is more apparent causing teeth to appear darker. Hypersensitivity
of teeth is also common causing unnecessary discomfort in
patients.
As one ages, the incidence for decay can increase, especially
root surface decay. The exposure of the tooth's root surface
can occur in seniors primarily from gum tissue receding
as one ages. Root surfaces do not have a protective enamel
layer and are primarily composed of softer cementum, which
easily decays. Plaque and bacterial accumulation can collect
on these surfaces increasing the risk for this type of decay,
especially in the case of dry mouth as discussed above.
Since the root surface lacks enamel, decay can more easily
penetrate to the tooth's pulp (nerve), which can cause endodontic
(root canal) problems and in worst scenarios, tooth loss.
Older fillings may also wear and fracture as one ages causing
weakening or loss of teeth.
Many seniors experience a loss of their taste sensation
as they age. This can occur as a normal result of aging.
However, certain diseases and medications can increase the
incidence of taste loss. Ill-fitting dentures or other removable
dental appliances can increase the alteration of taste.
Patients should always notify their dentist and/or physician
if they have any type of alteration or loss in their taste
sensation.
The most common cause of tooth loss in adults is gum disease.
Bacteria create toxins which inflame and irritate gum tissue.
Over the years, a slow progressive detachment occurs that
affects the supporting bone, which breaks down. Tooth loss
eventually results, especially if left untreated. The elderly
are more prone to this condition as a result of smoking,
poor diets, poor oral hygiene habits and certain medical
conditions and medications. Increased risk factors include
diabetes, age, and hereditary factors. It is imperative
that one have regular dental checkups to determine if you
have this condition and to determine what treatment needs
to be done.
Over time, tissue and bone shrink slightly. As this occurs,
dentures can loosen. Also, as one loses or gains weight, one may notice
that a denture's fit may change. Dentures, if the dentist
advises, can be relined to help them fit better. However,
if their bases are too far gone, a new one may need to be
fabricated.
As always, even a full denture wearer should visit the
dentist on a regular basis to get an evaluation of the palate,
tongue, and surrounding tissue for any problems. Sore spots
should not be ignored. See the dentist if adjustments are
needed. Some people have trouble eating and some may have
repeated sores, which can be quite painful. We can help
with problems like that.
Approximately 40% of older Americans wear full or partial
dentures. Many have adapted quite nicely. However, many
denture wearers have encountered problems, both emotionally
and physically. Some people have trouble eating and some
may have repeated sores, which can be quite painful. Ill-fitting
dentures can lead to yeast infections of the mouth (oral
candidiasis), increased or uneven bone loss and even cancer
believed to be from chronic irritation.
Some frequently asked questions are:
What is the best way to get used to my new dentures?
As with any new appliance, dentures may feel quite odd.
They may cause increased saliva flow or they may alter speech.
One should start by cutting food into small pieces, avoid
hot foods, and avoid hard foods until the tissue, where
the denture rests, becomes used to the new teeth. As time
goes by, one will become accustomed to them.
Do I brush them like real teeth?
No, dentures should be cleaned, if possible, after each
meal. The best way is to remove them and rinse them. If
one is able to, brushing the dentures is advised, as well
as rinsing the mouth to clean it of any debris. If some
natural teeth do remain, brushing them is suggested. Always
soak dentures at night after brushing them. Over the counter
cleaning agents are available. Keeping the dentures soaked
protects them from warping. It is also much healthier to
keep the teeth out overnight to avoid excessive pressure
on the soft tissue and bone. Always remember to brush your
tongue and lightly brush the gums with a soft toothbrush.
Special denture brushes should be used on the dentures.
The problem of broken down or missing teeth can be easily
remedied in most cases. However, ignoring these dental problems
may cause additional tooth and bone loss which can lead
to more expensive treatments. That's why it is better to
take care of minor problems right away, before they get
bigger and more expensive to repair.
Replacing missing teeth will help you to keep and maintain
the health of your smile for a long time. Unlike baby teeth,
we want to keep our permanent teeth as long as we can. Gum
disease is the leading cause of missing teeth in adults.
It can be prevented or stopped by keeping your mouth as
clean as possible through daily brushing, flossing, and
regular check-ups.
Gaps between teeth can occur naturally or when teeth have
been lost. A gap between the front two teeth, called a diastema,
is natural for some; many choose to have it closed for cosmetic
reasons although a diastema poses no harm to oral health.
People often live with spaces between their back teeth for
years because they do not cause a cosmetic problem. However,
these spaces can lead to dental problems.
Dental
Implants (PDF)
Nature's Balancing Act
When spaces are present due to missing teeth, movement
will occur. If left untreated, other teeth will drift and
tip into unoccupied areas. Teeth also migrate into spaces
when opposing teeth are missing. To keep all your permanent
teeth functioning and in their correct position, you need
to replace missing teeth to maintain long term oral health.
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| Your
teeth are mutually dependent on each other to maintain
their natural position in your mouth. This positioning
helps you chew while distributing your biting forces. |
When
you lose a tooth the remaining teeth will move into the
open space. If left untreated, more complex dental treatment
may be needed to restore your normal dental health |
A
bridge can be used to replace missing teeth and restore
dental health. Teeth on both sides of the space are prepared
and a bridge is permanently cemented or bonded into place. |
Dental
implants are becoming more popular as a method used to
replace missing teeth. An implant replaces the root of
a missing tooth so that a crown can be attached to it. |
Fixed Permanent Solutions
Missing teeth may set off a chain reaction of dental problems
over time that can change your bite and develop food traps.
This can cause bad breath, tooth decay, periodontal disease
and bone loss. Depending on the circumstances involved,
fixed dental devices, like bridges or dental implants, may
be a solution to restore the function of your teeth and
improve oral health. Even orthodontics may be recommended
to return the teeth to a more ideal position to improve
function and/or cosmetics.
 "Take Out" Solutions
Upper or lower dentures usually are the best solution
for persons with no teeth. In situations where many teeth
are missing, but the remaining teeth are stable and healthy,
a removable partial denture may be recommended. "Partials"
allow patients to keep their remaining healthy teeth and
replace missing teeth to restore form and function. Precision
partials use fixed crowns and special attachments to secure
the partial and eliminate the need for conventional clasping
methods. The removable design of a full or partial denture
allows for daily cleaning and periodic adjustment or replacement.
The Final Choice Is Yours
Usually, there is more than one restorative solution for
repairing broken-down and missing teeth. A consultation
with Dr. Peterson will help you choose the best restorative
solution for your situation. You can help keep your permanent
teeth longer by replacing missing teeth, brushing and flossing
daily, and having regular dental check-ups and professional
tooth cleanings. Stopping smoking or chewing tobacco and
maintaining good nutrition will also help you achieve the
optimum in oral health.
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Tooth Wear and Excessive
Staining 
Gum Disease (Periodontal
Disease)
Denture Care 
Solutions for missing
teeth 
