Usually resulting from poor oral hygiene, gum disease is among the most common oral health conditions in the world. It becomes even more likely to develop after the age of sixty, and receding gums are the most common oral problem reported in older people. Read on to learn about why gum disease is more likely to occur in your later years and what can be done to treat or prevent it.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease starts as gingivitis, or inflammation of the gums usually resulting from bacteria accumulating in plaque at the gumline. Symptoms include an angry red color, bleeding, and swelling. If left untreated, it will progress deeper into the gum tissue, causing periodontitis. This can cause gum recession, tooth loss, bone loss at the jaw, and potentially fatal secondary infections in other parts of the body.
Why Is It More Prevalent in Older People?
Older people use more medications, experience menopause, and might be dealing with the cumulative consequences of decades of bad habits. These and other factors can all increase the risk of gum disease. Here are some details as to how:
Medication
Anti-depressants and medicines used to treat some heart conditions can cause dry mouth as a side-effect. Dry mouth increases the risk of gum disease because it limits the flow of saliva that would wash away food debris and control bacterial growth.
Menopause
During menopause, women experience hormonal imbalances which increase their risk of developing a painful ailment called desquamative gingivitis. This condition involves symptoms like ulcers, shedding, and a dusky red color in the gums.
Bad Habits
Long-term use of tobacco or alcohol increases the risk of gum disease. Similarly, poor nutrition can make someone more susceptible to it, especially without sufficient vitamin C intake.
Diabetes
Diabetes increases the risk of gum disease, and the risk of developing type 2 diabetes increases with age. To make matters worse, gum disease can aggravate diabetes, resulting in a vicious cycle of either worsening the other.
Declining Physical and Mental Health
If a person becomes less aware or dexterous in later years, they may forget or be unable to perform proper oral care for themselves.
Oral health requires proper oral hygiene, regular dental attention, and avoiding bad behaviors. This includes showing up to dental appointments, limiting consumption of sugar, alcohol, and tobacco, and a daily regimen of brushing, flossing, and using antibacterial mouthwash. Even in your later years, these practices can provide a multi-layered shield of protection that can keep your gums healthy and your smile shiny.
About the Author
Dr. Julie Young earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery in 1986 from the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry. She now operates a private practice in Corte Madera, CA, and serves as a member of the Academy of General Dentistry, the American Dental Association, and the California State Dental Association. Her practice provides services including general, cosmetic, restorative, and emergency dentistry in addition to periodontal treatment. If you are concerned about keeping your gums healthy this decade and the ones to come, contact her online or dial (415) 924-5300.
