As a dental practice, we often speak about the importance of oral health and the wider effects it can have on the body. Research has shown that the state of your oral health can also have an effect on the overall frailty of older men.
The research carried out included 1,000 men from 24 towns across the UK and found those with poor oral health were more likely to suffer from weight loss, exhaustion, loss of gripping ability and low physical activity or a reduced walking speed.
Dr Nigel Carter, Chief Executive of the Oral Health Foundation, agrees with the findings of the research and stated “Oral health problems are more common among older adults with tooth loss, gum disease, tooth decay and dry mouth the most likely to occur. These conditions not only influence the health of the mouth but also impacts on a person’s quality of life too…”
Of the people examined in the study, 11% had trouble eating, 20% had no teeth, 29% suffered from dry mouth, 54% had gum disease. When the wider implications of poor oral health in the elderly are taken into consideration, including difficulty to eating, talking, swallowing and even smiling, it is easy to see why there may be an impact on the overall wellbeing of a person.
Tackling Oral Health
Doctor Carter of the Oral Health Foundation states that dental examinations may be useful indicators of frailty in the elderly. He added, “an urgent and preventive approach must be taken to the population’s oral health, in order to relieve future pressure on an already over-burdened health system.”
One of the simplest ways to improve and maintain oral health is by brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste. You may also reduce the number of sugary foods you eat. If you tend to graze throughout the day, rather than have regular full meals, cutting down on your snacks may help your oral health by giving your teeth a break during the day before you begin eating again.
Love-Teeth Dental Practice
If you are concerned about your oral health or haven’t been to visit the dentist in a while and would like to find out more about the health of your teeth and gums, we welcome you to contact our friendly practice. We understand that everyone has there own reasons for not attending regular dental appointments, but our job is not to judge or tell you off, we’re here to improve your oral health in a comfortable and relaxed setting. To make an appointment, please call us today on 0161 773 7080. You may also register as a new patient by using our online registration form.
