HealthInfo Waitaha Canterbury
Dental health in older people
Tiaki niho ā pakeke
Having a healthy mouth and teeth contributes to your overall health. Looking after your teeth by brushing twice a day and seeing your dentist regularly is an important part of looking after yourself and is even more important as you get older.
If you're caring for an older person, do not forget the contribution good dental health can make to their comfort, nutrition, health and wellbeing.
Common dental health issues in older people include:
- problems with gums and mouth ulcers
- tooth loss
- older fillings needing replacement
- cavities around the roots of teeth
- medication side effects such as dry mouth
- problems with dentures.
If you have pain in your mouth, swelling or discomfort from your teeth, it's important to talk to your dentist or GP. Do not put it off. If you notice changes to the way your mouth and teeth feel or look, it's also important to seek treatment.
Preventing problems with your mouth and teeth
If you've had good dental habits all your life, it's important to keep it up. But it's never too late to develop better habits around dental hygiene.
Teeth cleaning
Brushing and flossing removes plaque and tartar from teeth to prevent gum disease and tooth decay. Severe gum disease causes at least one-third of adult tooth loss.
- Brush your teeth every day – morning and night.
- Brush with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
- After brushing your teeth swish and spit but do not rinse.
- Avoid sugary foods and drinks between meals – give your mouth a break.
- Drink water or milk between meals.
- Arthritis and other mobility issues may make it difficult to brush and floss. An electric toothbrush may make this easier. If you're having trouble, talk to your GP or dentist. If you're receiving care at home (or in an aged residential facility) you may be able to ask your carer to help.
Denture care
It's important to care for your removable partial or full dentures:
- Remove and rinse dentures after eating.
- Clean your mouth after removing your dentures using a soft toothbrush.
- Brush your dentures at least daily.
- Soak your dentures in water overnight. This helps to keep their shape.
Mouth ulcers
Mouth ulcers are small sores that develop in your mouth. These are quite common and usually go away on their own. If you have ulcers that are very painful, that are stopping you eating or drinking the foods you usually like, or that have lasted more than two weeks, it’s important to see your dentist or GP.
Regular dental check-ups
A yearly dental check-up can help maintain the health of your teeth and deal with problems at an early stage before they become severe. There are many things a dentist can spot during a dental check-up such as cavities, early signs of gum disease and other oral problems that can affect your general health.
Dental treatment can be expensive. But seeing a dentist for regular check-ups will save you a lot of money and trouble and will help to keep your teeth looking good and working well.
Subsidies for older people
Subsidies may be available to help pay for dental treatment. It’s important to discuss with your dentist how much any treatment is likely to cost and which subsidies you can use. You may be able to pay off the cost of treatment.
The Canterbury DHB funds emergency dental care for low-income adults. If you're in pain or have swelling or an infection in your mouth, subsidised emergency treatment is available through several private dentists for older people with a Community Services Card.
New Zealand residents over the age of 65 are able to attend the Relief of Pain Clinic at the Hospital Dental Service. Younger adults receiving a full WINZ benefit may also be eligible. Phone (03) 364-0250 to check if you're eligible. The Hospital Dental Service is at 2 Oxford Terrace.
HealthInfo recommends the following pages
- New Zealand Dental Association:
- Healthy mouth, healthy ageing
Oral health guide for caregivers of older people.
- Root decay
Receding gums is common in older people. Using a soft-bristled brush can help address root decay early.
- Healthy mouth, healthy ageing
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed March 2022.
See also:
Review key: HILAT-75077
