Dental Emergencies for Seniors: Emergency Dental Care for the Elderly in Lincoln, NE

#1 Gingivitis

More than 500 different species of bacteria can be found in the oral cavity. Many of these bacteria are necessary to maintain health. When an imbalance of good and bad bacteria occurs, the body responds by creating inflammation. In the mouth, this usually presents with red, swollen gums. Usually with regular professional cleanings and improvements in daily plaque removal, this inflammation can be resolved.

#2 Chronic Periodontitis

If the inflammation in the gums goes untreated and become chronic, the bone which surrounds the teeth can be compromised. This leads to tooth mobility and eventually tooth loss. Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. This condition typically has very few symptoms, and does not hurt until it is in the very advanced stages. Treatment for this condition includes a deep cleaning under local anesthesia followed by regular maintenance cleanings every 3-4 months to control the inflammation and stabilize bone levels. If patients have already lost significant bone around teeth, replacing teeth is necessary. Patients would benefit from taking a probiotic to help regulate the balance of good and bad bacteria in the body as well as supplementation of vitamin D if needed. Avoiding refined sugar in the diet, staying hydrated and quitting tobacco products will help improve immune function and positively impact periodontal disease.

#3 Dental emergency in elderly Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is a common condition that leads to dental emergencies for seniors. Geriatric patients often take a variety of medications for pre-existing medical conditions. Many of these medications cause dry mouth. Saliva is one of the body’s natural protective mechanisms for the teeth. It contains enzymes which neutralize acids from the food we eat, maintaining an ideal pH level in the mouth to support enamel strength.

As we age, muscles in the face lose elasticity. This prevents a natural self-cleansing mechanism of the muscles moving against the teeth while we chew from occuring. This results in food particles becoming trapped against teeth and contributes to tooth decay.

Patients who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease or dementia may have difficulty remembering to brush and floss their teeth, leading to cavities.

Patients with a history of bone loss around the teeth may have exposed root surfaces. This part of the tooth’s structure is more porous and susceptible to tooth decay. Arthritis causes limited dexterity in the hands, make brushing and flossing difficult.

The solution to this is improving oral hygiene habits, avoiding excessively sugary foods or drinks between meals, using fluoride mouthrinses and visiting a dental provider regularly for checkups and cleanings.

#4 Halitosis (Bad Breath)

There are a number of different reasons why patients may suffer from chronic halitosis. Failing dental restorations with recurrent decay or infection, chronic gum disease from an overpopulation of harmful bacteria, stomach or GI issues, dehydration and poor oral hygiene are all common causes. Patients should see a dental provider regularly for checkups and cleanings to rule out tooth-related causes. If halitosis persists, they should see their physician to rule out any systemic causes.

#5 Candida or Oral Thrush

This is a fungal infection caused by overgrowth of candida albicans. It is more likely for patients with reduced immune function. Severe cases can be treated with antifungal medications. Milder cases may be managed with probiotics and coconut or sesame oil-pulling.

#6 Poorly-fitting Dentures

When patients have had teeth removed, the bone in the jaw begins to dissolve over time. This causes dentures to stop fitting properly. Patients with poorly fitting dentures have difficulty chewing and speaking. Reduced chewing makes eating healthy foods difficult, which has a negative impact on managing other health problems or preventing inflammatory conditions.

#7 Red and Ulcerated Soft Tissue Under Poorly-Fitting Denture

Movement and rocking of a poorly-fitting denture during chewing causes sores and allows food to become trapped underneath the denture and irritate the soft tissues during meals. Patients with poorly fitting dentures should see a dentist to make adjustments to their denture or place a more permanent tooth replacement option for them.

#8 Red Tongue (glossitis)

A shiny, painful red tongue may indicate that a patient has a vitamin B12, folic acid or iron deficiency. It can be related to other medical conditions as well like the herpes virus, undiagnosed celiac disease or allergies to medications.

#9 Non-healing Mouth Sores

This could be from a chronic source of irritation like a poorly-fitting denture or something more serious like oral cancer. Sores that do not show improvement or healing in two weeks should be evaluated for a biopsy.

#10 Cracked, Dry Skin in Corners of Mouth or Angular Chelitis

This can be from an overgrowth of candida, inflammation from bacteria or vitamin B or iron-deficiency from poor nutritional absorption. The cause should be evaluated by a physician.