Preventing falls with good dental health

Yes you read that correctly…

Falls among the older people in our community are unfortunately common. It is estimated that 1 in 3 adults over 65 and half of those over 80 will have at least one fall per year. Whilst most don’t result in a serious injury, there is always a risk of broken bones and more serious injuries. There can also be a loss of independence and a knock on your confidence.

But did you know that keeping up with your oral hygiene can actually affect the chances of you having a fall?

The link between oral health and balance

A study conducted in 2018 found that poor oral health may affect your vestibular system. This is the part of your body which is responsible for balance. Your vestibular system contains sensory organs in your ear which detect information about your body’s position.

Researchers found that jaw joints are essential for balance and that misalignment could contribute to falls. They also noted that having fewer teeth and not using dentures may link to an increase in falls. In fact, missing teeth are often associated with changes in bite, jaw stress, and even dietary limitations — all of which can indirectly impact balance and overall wellbeing. Beyond that, untreated gaps can lead to bone loss in the jaw and place additional strain on surrounding teeth, making early treatment essential not only for oral health but for maintaining stability and confidence as we age.

How dental health problems may lead to falls

Gum inflammation is a common issue for people of all ages, but it can have some nasty side effects. Inflammation can affect the complex network of nerves in your jaw. Not only can this cause pain and swelling, but it may also affect your balance.
As mentioned, the health of your jaw plays a large part in keeping you upright, so anything that causes it to be out of place or working unevenly can be an issue. Missing teeth can change the way you chew, for example. Causing your jaw to move in an irregular motion.

You may also find that if you have all your teeth and wear correctly fitting dentures your jaw is still misaligned. This is called TMJ disorder. Inflammation from this disorder can reach your inner ear, causing dizziness or a loss of balance.

Tips for improving your oral health

Keeping on top of your oral hygiene is good for several reasons, not just to reduce falls of course. One of the best ways is to keep on top of regular checkups with your dentist. They will be able to identify any issues before they become serious and get you treatment. Make sure you seek treatment if you have any concerns.

There are things you can do at home as well. Dentists recommend that you brush twice daily for around two minutes. You should also floss once a day to make sure you get in between your teeth as bacteria can hide there. To make this even more effective, consider getting an electric water flosser for your routine.

Having a balanced diet is important for your overall wellbeing, but it is also good for your teeth. Sugar is obviously bad for your teeth, so keeping away from it helps to prevent decay and cavities. Snacking on crunchy foods such as raw veggies helps your mouth to produce saliva which in turn washes away any lingering food particles.