![]() ![]() Some research suggests that the bacteria responsible for periodontitis can enter your bloodstream through gum tissue, possibly affecting your heart, lungs and other parts of your body. The dental plaque that causes gingivitis produces toxins that inflame and irritate the gums, so the healthier you keep your mouth, the healthier you keep your body overall.Ĭhronic gingiva inflammation has been thought to be associated with some systemic diseases such as respiratory disease, diabetes, coronary artery disease, stroke and rheumatoid arthritis. The American Academy of Periodontology says that, “Gingivitis is the mildest form of periodontal disease.” It affects the gums, not the teeth – which means you can still get gum disease – regardless of not having teeth. Denture Cleansers and Mouthwash For Denture WearersĬan You Get Gingivitis If You Have No Teeth?.Gum Care After Dentures – Should You Brush Your Gums If You Have No Teeth?.Can You Get Gingivitis If You Have No Teeth?.In addition, the ADA says these radiographs can find, “Other lessĬommon conditions also may be detected: bony spicules along the alveolar ridge, residual cysts or infections, developmental abnormalities of the jaws, intraosseous tumors, and systemic conditions affecting bone metabolism.” ALL MY PATIENTS GET BONE SPICULES AFTER EXTRACTIONS FULLThese xrays go from ear to ear and are great for showing such things as cysts in the bone or sinuses, infections, any remaining teeth and problems associated with them (some people who wear full dentures still have an impacted tooth or root tip far under the bone). The American College of Prosthodontists also says the “consequences of missing teeth include significant nutritional changes, obesity, diabetes, coronary artery disease, and some forms of cancer.”ĭon’t be surprised if the dentist wants to take a panoramic radiograph (xray) every few years, regardless of whether you have teeth or not. You may not realize it, but having no natural teeth can severely impact a senior’s overall health and quality of life. Having missing teeth or wearing dentures can affect nutrition, because people without teeth or with dentures often prefer soft, easily chewed foods instead of foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Complete tooth loss is twice as prevalent among adults aged 75 and older (26%) compared with adults aged 65-74 (13%). Nearly 1 in 5 of adults aged 65 or older have lost all of their teeth. Having no teeth carries a higher risk of poor nutrition for this age group, too. These numbers are expected to grow in the next two decades.” The American College of Prosthodontists (*prosthodontists specialize in making dentures and other oral appliances) reports that, “More than 36 million Americans do not have any teeth, and 120 million people in the U.S. Seeing a dentist annually, at minimum, for an oral exam to check for fungal infections, proper fit or issues with the dentures, and an oral cancer screening.Removing dentures overnight – every night – and sleeping without wearing them, so the oral tissues can “breathe”.Keeping the lips moist by applying a water-based moisturizer.Keeping the mouth moist by drinking water or frequent rinsing.Gently brushing gums and tongue with a soft toothbrush twice per day to remove food debris and bacteria.Good oral hygiene care for senior citizens with no teeth consists of: People often think that they no longer need to take care of their mouth or see the dentist if they are edentulous (have no teeth), however they still need regular check ups and to keep up with their dental health. As a dental hygienist who works with older adults and senior patients who have few or no remaining teeth, I can tell you that oral hygiene is still important regardless. ![]()
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