Age in Style with a Healthy Smile: How to Fight the Oral Changes That
Come with Aging
Abstract
The purpose of this research is to evaluate the oral hygiene of
the elderly population with diabetes and the effects of
periodontal disease on their dentition. The elderly population
is growing, and due to the oral health changes that come along
with this age group, the connection between periodontal and
diabetes is critical for the best methods of patient care. A
literature review of twelve peer reviewed articles was
conducted to compare relevant data on this topic. Research
found that there is a link between periodontal disease and
diabetes due to the inflammatory process being reduced in
patients with the disease. The control of periodontal disease
can have a positive influence on those with diabetes by
decreasing the levels of insulin needed by the body and
reducing hemoglobin A1C levels. Current research shows that
nutrition counseling can provide beneficial effects towards
preventing and maintaining diabetes therefore benefiting the
oral cavity from the harmful effects of diabetes. Further
research is needed to provide the best methods of prevention
and care regarding the connections of elderly patients with
diabetes and periodontal disease.
Introduction
“Aging, an inevitable process, is commonly
measured by chronological age and, as a
convention, a person aged 65 years or more is
often referred to as ‘elderly’” –Shamsher Singh.
The aging population will be affected by
noncommunicable chronic diseases, including
diabetes mellitus (1). These individuals may
suffer from oral disease as they have a greater
risk of periodontal disease and subsequent tooth
loss (3). The connection between systemic and
oral health embodies the need to explore the
role of diabetes and its effect on the oral health
of the growing elderly population (Figure 1).
Jennifer Anderson, Kristin Brenkus, & Madelyne Smith
Public Heath Dental Hygiene
Purpose
The purpose of this research is to evaluate the
oral hygiene of the diabetic elderly population
and the effects of periodontal disease on their
dentition. The elderly population is growing, and
due to the oral health changes that come along
with this age group, it is important to understand
the connection between periodontal disease and
diabetes.
Significance of Study
This study is important because the elderly
population is living longer, and as
healthcare professionals, it is crucial to
understand the changing needs of this
population and the connection with
periodontal disease. There is a lack of
knowledge on how to provide care in the
elderly population and how to best meet
their specific oral health needs. This paper
provides evidence on the importance of oral
health in the elderly population with
diabetes and how to best meet their needs
by preventing and treating periodontal
disease. Examining the connection to
diabetes, resources available, best methods
of care, and ways to empower the elderly
will aid their dental health.
 (8,9).
Literature Review
• Diabetes mellitus is a chronic medical condition that
causes blood glucose levels to rise, which can lead to
other serious and life-threatening problems (4).
• There are two types of diabetes, type 1 and type 2, with
type 2 being the most common.
• Type 1 diabetes is when the pancreas does not produce
enough insulin, a hormone that produces glucose.
• Type 2 diabetes is when there is a resistance to insulin,
the body produces insulin but is unable to process
glucose appropriately (4).
Periodontitis & Diabetes
• Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes are predictors of
periodontal disease (6).
• It is the sixth complication of diabetes (6).
• People with diabetes are 3x more likely to develop
periodontitis (8).
• It has been proven that treating periodontal disease
can result in reductions of individual’s A1C levels
What can we do for our patients with Diabetes?
• Therapeutic scaling & root planing
• Nutrition Counseling
• Oral Hygiene Instructions
• Education on the link between diabetes and
periodontitis
Conclusion
• As the population of elderly individuals continues to
increase, combined with the increase in levels of
diabetes due to poor health and diet, healthcare
professionals must be educated and equipped to
handle this population of patients with specific health
needs.
• The dental team plays an important role in educating
patients on the harmful effects of diabetes in relation
to oral health (Figure 2).
• Specifically, dental hygienists can inform
patients on the link between oral health and
overall systemic health.
• Patients with diabetes have a decreased immune
system that negatively impacts their immune system
and the ability to maintain a high level of oral health.
It is crucial that elderly patients are aware of their
health conditions, receive proper education and
treatment in order to best care for their health.
References
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