Senior Dental Care: Oral Health Issues Seniors Should Be Aware Of
As we age, it becomes important to pay more attention to our health. This is true of oral health too. The best advice we have at California Dental Group for our patients of all ages is to come to us for your regular cleanings and exams. If you do have a dental issue, the sooner we detect it, the more affordable and the quicker it’s likely to be treated.
That said, seniors do have elevated risks of some oral health issues. When you visit us, we’ll do a thorough screening and can address any questions you have. Following are some of the issues you may need to be especially careful of. Call us at (800) 407-0161 to make an appointment.
Gum disease
We find that many of our patients don’t realize that it’s just as important to take care of their gums as it is to take care of their teeth. Gum disease, which can affect more than half of the population between 65 and 74 years old, is the leading cause of older adults losing teeth. The key to treating this issue is finding it early.
Gingivitis
In many cases, gingivitis is the first sign we have of gum disease. The good news is that gingivitis is reversible if you follow good oral health hygiene at home and get the treatments we recommend. Symptoms can include swollen gums and bleeding when you brush.
Root decay
As you get older, your gums may recede. This can be used by damage as the result of brushing too hard, or it can be caused by gum disease. When the gums recede, they expose the surfaces of the root, which are softer and more easily susceptible to decay.
Oral cancer
Most people who develop oral cancer as over the age of 40. If you see red or white patches on your tongue, on your gums, or anywhere else in your mouth, or you have mouth sores that don’t get better after two weeks, then you should immediately call California Dental Group for an oral cancer screening. The sooner this disease is found, the more likely it is to be cured. We can perform a complete neck and head exam to look for signs of oral cancer.
Dry mouth
There are many medications that can cause dry mouth. This is caused by less saliva, which is a problem because saliva is important – it rinses away bacteria and food, it neutralizes acids, and it can help prevent tooth decay. We can help treat dry mouth and can offer additional support if it’s caused issues for your oral health.
We are your best defense against oral health issues
As we mentioned in the first paragraph, the absolute best way you can treat these issues is by working with a dentist who will keep an eye on your oral health. At California Dental Group, we have numerous offices in California and look forward to helping you keep a happy, healthy smile.
