Overlooked Link Between Dental Health and Cleaning with Aging: What Families Need to Know

A bright, healthy smile isn't just about looks—it's a key indicator of overall well-being. Yet, dental health falls by the wayside for many adults, particularly as they age. Regular dental cleanings are vital for maintaining oral hygiene and preventing serious health issues linked to poor dental care, such as heart disease, diabetes complications, and pneumonia.

Understanding what happens during a professional dental cleaning and why it's essential at every stage of life can help individuals and their families prioritize oral health. Yet some people haven't been to a dentist in years -- or even decades.

Finding a reputable dental office with caring professional staff isn't difficult - but it takes the effort to search online for a dentist, especially one with experience and staff who understand the challenges of older adults or those who have not been to a dentist in a while.

You can find the dentist's office you need where you live; for instance, in Queen's Vip Dental Care in Forest Hills is an example. Whether you live in New York or elsewhere, don't delay getting a dental cleaning and a check-up.

From childhood to older adulthood, preventive dental care plays a crucial role in maintaining quality of life.

For older adults, while long-term care facilities provide some dental services, adult children must remain vigilant in ensuring their aging parents receive the care, including dental care they need.

Why Regular Dental Cleanings Matter

Professional dental cleanings remove plaque and tartar buildup that daily brushing and flossing cannot fully eliminate. Neglecting these cleanings can lead to gum disease, tooth loss, and even systemic health problems.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that nearly 68% of adults 65 and older have some form of gum disease, often due to a lack of professional dental care.

Gum disease is linked to higher risks of stroke, heart disease, and respiratory infections. These dental issues can increase the need for long-term care later in life. Regular cleanings and check-ups can help mitigate these risks by detecting problems early.

What to Expect During Professional Dental Cleaning

Understanding the process can make it less intimidating if you've never had a professional dental cleaning or it's been a while. Here's what typically happens during a standard cleaning:

1. Examination

A dental hygienist will first conduct an examination using a small mirror to assess the condition of your teeth and gums. If there are any signs of inflammation, cavities, or gum disease, they will call in the dentist for a closer look.

2. Plaque and Tartar Removal

Using a scaler, the hygienist will remove plaque and tartar buildup, particularly around the gum line and between teeth. Tartar can only be removed by a professional, making these cleanings essential.

3. Deep Brushing with Gritty Toothpaste

A high-powered electric brush and a mildly abrasive toothpaste are used to polish the teeth, helping remove surface stains and lingering plaque.

4. Professional Flossing

Even if you floss regularly, professional flossing ensures any remaining debris is removed while allowing the hygienist to check for gum sensitivity or bleeding signs.

5. Rinsing

A rinse, often containing fluoride, helps wash away debris and lingering plaque.

6. Fluoride Treatment

A fluoride treatment strengthens enamel and protects against cavities. A foamy fluoride solution is typically applied using a mouthguard, which stays in place for about a minute.

Encouraging Dental Care for Older Adults

As people age, dental care becomes increasingly important, yet it's often neglected. Older adults may face challenges such as arthritis, which can make brushing and flossing difficult, or cognitive decline, which may lead to forgetting about oral hygiene altogether.

Adult children should take an active role in ensuring their parents receive regular dental care. This may include scheduling appointments, arranging transportation, or even assisting with at-home dental hygiene routines.

Products like electric toothbrushes and water flossers can make oral care easier for those with limited dexterity.

It's also crucial to recognize signs that a loved one may be struggling with oral health, such as:

• Bad breath
• Difficulty chewing
• Avoidance of certain foods
• Red or swollen gums

Neglecting oral health can lead to painful infections, difficulty eating, and poor nutrition—issues that severely impact quality of life.

Dental Care in Long-Term Care Facilities

Access to dental care varies for seniors residing in assisted living or nursing homes. Few facilities have on-site dental professionals, but require residents to travel for appointments, which can be a barrier to consistent care.

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), many long-term care residents suffer from untreated dental problems due to staffing shortages, a lack of awareness, and the misconception that aging teeth require less care.

Of the 1.4 million individuals residing in nursing homes, only 16% receive oral care, and just 15% are reported to have very good or better oral hygiene. The care provided mainly consists of brief tooth-brushing sessions, averaging about 1.25 minutes.

Family members should inquire about the dental policies at their loved one's facility and ensure they receive regular cleanings and check-ups.

Some long-term care facilities offer:

• On-site dental hygienists for routine cleanings
• Mobile dental services that visit patients
• Partnerships with local dentists for scheduled care

Questions to Ask When Searching for Long-Term Care

When evaluating caregivers and long-term care facilities for loved ones, dental care should be a key consideration. Poor oral health can lead to infections, malnutrition, and a lower quality of life, so families must ensure that a facility prioritizes dental hygiene.

Here are some important questions to ask when researching home health care providers, senior communities, assisted living, or nursing homes:

• Do you provide routine dental check-ups and cleanings for residents?
• Is there an on-site dentist or a partnership with a local dental practice?
• How do you assist residents who have difficulty brushing and flossing?
• What steps do you take to prevent and treat common dental issues like gum disease and cavities?
• Are caregivers trained to recognize signs of dental problems and coordinate necessary care?
• How are dental emergencies handled?

Use the LTC News Caregiver Directory to narrow your search for high-quality long-term care providers that prioritize oral health. This directory provides a comprehensive list of home health care services, senior communities, assisted living facilities, and nursing homes, helping families find the best possible care for their loved ones.

If your loved one has Long-Term Care Insurance, the guaranteed tax-free benefits can be used to pay for either in-home care or facility care - Filing a Long-Term Care Insurance Claim.

Typically, LTC insurance is purchased before retirement as a part of retirement planning. Most people do so between ages 47 and 67; however, there are affordable LTC Insurance options for those older, depending on health.

An LTC Insurance specialist can advise you or a loved one on options and provide accurate quotes from all the top insurance companies that offer long-term care solutions.

It's Never Too Late to Prioritize Oral Health

While dental care should begin early in life, it's never too late to adopt healthier habits. Regular cleanings, proper at-home hygiene, and professional interventions can improve oral health and prevent serious complications.

If it has been more than six months since your last dental cleaning, now is the time to schedule an appointment. For older adults, particularly those in long-term care, proactive dental care can make a significant difference in maintaining comfort, nutrition, and overall well-being.

"Monitoring and improving the oral health of older adults should be a main goal for the care team, which includes dentists, dental hygienists, geriatric doctors, and caregivers."

Family members can play a key role in ensuring their loved ones receive the attention they need.

A healthy smile is more than just aesthetics—it's a crucial part of overall health at every stage of life. Whether you're 30, 60, or 90, investing in oral care today leads to a healthier future.