Investing in Lifelong Oral Health

Introduction

When people think of retirement planning, they often consider financial security, healthcare, and lifestyle adjustments. However, one critical aspect often overlooked is retirement planning for your mouth. Just as you invest in your future well-being, maintaining optimal oral health ensures a better quality of life as you age. Neglecting oral health can have serious consequences, including preventable hospital admissions due to acute dental infections and complications arising from medical treatments.

The Link Between Oral Health and General Health

Research has consistently shown that poor oral health is linked to systemic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), approximately 70,000 preventable hospital admissions occur annually in Australia due to dental conditions, many of which could have been avoided with proper dental care. Acute dental infections, including abscesses, can lead to serious complications such as sepsis, requiring hospitalization and intensive medical intervention.

Certain patient groups are at even higher risk of dental-related complications due to their medical conditions or treatments.

A comprehensive oral assessment is crucial in the following scenarios:

1. Patients on Multiple Medications

Many older adults take multiple medications for chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease. A common side effect of these medications is xerostomia (dry mouth), which reduces saliva production and increases the risk of:

Dental decay
Gum disease
Oral infections, including fungal infections (oral thrush)

Saliva plays a critical role in neutralising acids, washing away food particles, and preventing bacterial overgrowth. Without adequate saliva, patients are at increased risk of developing rapidly progressing cavities and periodontal disease. A comprehensive oral assessment can help mitigate these risks through tailored preventive strategies such as fluoride treatments, prescription saliva substitutes, and modified oral hygiene routines.

2. Before Starting Medication for Osteoporosis

Patients prescribed Prolia (denosumab) or bisphosphonates for osteoporosis are at risk of developing osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ), a severe condition where jawbone tissue fails to heal after minor trauma, such as tooth extractions. ONJ can cause:

Persistent pain and swelling
Exposed bone in the mouth
Difficulty eating and speaking

A pre-treatment dental assessment is crucial to identify and address any existing dental infections, gum disease, or teeth that may require extraction before starting osteoporosis medication. This proactive approach significantly reduces the likelihood of ONJ and ensures long-term oral health stability.

3. Before Commencing Chemotherapy

Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy are at heightened risk of oral complications, including:

Mucositis (painful inflammation and ulceration of the mouth lining)
Increased susceptibility to infections due to immunosuppression
Delayed healing after dental procedures

A pre-chemotherapy oral assessment is essential to detect and treat existing dental problems before treatment begins. This includes addressing cavities, removing unstable teeth, and ensuring gum health is optimal to minimise the risk of severe oral complications during chemotherapy.

Conclusion: A Lifelong Investment

Planning for your oral health in retirement is just as vital as financial planning. By ensuring regular dental check-ups, early intervention, and comprehensive oral assessments before medical treatments, you can prevent complications and maintain a high quality of life. Just like a well-structured financial plan secures your future, proactive dental care ensures a healthy, pain-free, and functional mouth well into retirement.

Don’t wait until problems arise—start your retirement planning for your mouth today with Mind Body Teeth!

This article is for information purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, is general in nature, not tailored to your personal circumstances and you should seek your own medical advice from an independent medical professional with regards to what options are best for you.

Retirement Planning for Your Mouth