Swollen Gums in the Senior Population

Swollen gums are observed in any age group. Unfortunately when it comes to seniors, the condition is treated as though it is part of the aging experience. This does not have to be the case! Currently, attention is paid to marketing oral healthcare products to the young and middle aged, consistently discounting senior citizens. In some cases this neglect of public attention has led those in their golden years to treat swollen gums as though they were a symptom to be expected and endured. However, swollen gums in seniors are a condition requiring professional attention. With help, it can be avoided and reversed.

In some cases swollen gums in seniors may be linked directly to the presence of dentures. Whether the dentures are only partially replacing teeth that have been lost or are actually used to replace all teeth, seniors with dentures should not suffer from swollen gums. Sometimes the swelling occurs due to improperly fitting dentures. While they usually don’t start out fitting incorrectly, over time the shape of the patient’s mouth changes. The dentures simply no longer accommodate the altered environment. The result is an undue pressure on the gums, which leads to topical swelling.

In other cases the swollen gums are caused by bits and pieces of debris caught between the dentures and the gums. The debris can rub against the sensitive tissues. This is especially true if a senior may have enjoyed a lunch but was unable to discretely clean off the dentures right after eating. Although initially the pain is manageable, the continued presence of the foreign object on the gum will cause swelling. If it’s not treated quickly, it may actually lead to bleeding and eventually increase the risk of infection.

Senior citizens also experience swollen gums because of the remaining natural teeth and their overall health. Especially with partial dentures (which are held in place by the remaining teeth) the danger of swollen gums cannot be underscored often enough! Just like in the mouths of the younger dental patients, swollen gums may point to a developing case of gingivitis. The gingivitis may eventually cause bleeding of the gums and even jeopardize the integrity of the remaining teeth.

Sadly, it’s at this juncture there appears to be a bit of a breakdown in the communication between dentist and senior citizen. The elderly patient may misjudge the swollen gums and believe them to be little more than a discomfort stemming from wearing a partial denture. This can be the case even if in actuality it is a warning sign of periodontal disease. Swollen gums in the senior population need to be taken just as serious as in the younger generations. There should be no assumptions made by the patient and instead only a professional should have the last say on the reason for the swelling. After all, the dentist can make sure a badly fitting denture can be made to fit correctly. While at the same time, he will prevent any dental problems from developing if it turns out the swollen gums are actually pointing toward the beginning of illness. He may also be of help when nutritional choices cause swollen gums.