Dental Care for Seniors Requires More Attentive Care

Dental care for seniors requires more attentive care. Seniors are more likely to suffer from a variety of health and dental health issues related to the ageing process. A senior’s oral health issues are affected by age but also in their ability to get care. We all understand that good oral hygiene can make the big difference in maintaining good oral health at any age. Having the physical ability to maintain good oral hygiene or getting care can be a challenge.

Periodontal Disease and Tooth Loss

Periodontal disease and tooth loss can happen at any age but for seniors these dental issues are more prevalent. These issues are often related to age and the ability maintain good oral hygiene. Before tooth loss, seniors may experience more frequent tooth sensitivity or discoloration because of enamel and dentin loss. Enamel and dentin loss can lead to a greater risk of developing tooth decay. Another oral health issue that affects seniors is gum recession. Gum recession can be related to age or periodontal disease resulting from poor hygiene or inability to brush because of declining physical ability. Seniors are more prone to periodontal disease because of poor diet, poor fitting dentures, or diabetes. In addition to these conditions, seniors can be more prone to dry mouth syndrome because of medications or other health related issues.

Maintaining Good Oral Hygiene

Seniors should keep these few tips in mind to keep a smile healthy for many more years.

1. Continue brushing and flossing to maintain good oral hygiene. Good oral hygiene should be practice as the first line of defense to maintain a healthy mouth.
2. If brushing with a traditional toothbrush is difficult, consider purchasing an electric toothbrush. Using an electric toothbrush can reduce pain in the wrist since an electric motor operates the brushing motions.
3. Visit a dentist regularly. Visiting a dentist often can help spot dental issues early before the issues advance.
4. Keep dental appliances in good condition and proper fit. Using a dental appliance that is in poor condition can cause loose fitting. A loosely fit dental appliance can cause gum and tooth problems. A well fit dental appliance can reduce gum inflammation and infection of the gum.
5. Medications can cause dental health issues. Tell your dentist about the medications you are taking for a dentist to better treat dental problems.
6. Pay attention to your oral health conditions. Knowing when to visit a dentist to get treatment can help save a tooth from requiring an extraction. Warning signs such as tooth sensitivity, bumps along the gum line, swelling gums, mouth sores, difficult swallowing or clinching are indications of poor or advancing dental issues.

Good oral hygiene can lead to better health outcomes. As we age there are some things that we tend to let fall by the wayside over other priorities. Dental health seems to be one of the personal hygiene steps that can be easily forgotten. Maintaining good oral hygiene and getting dental care can prolong the use of your natural teeth. For all your dental care needs, call California Dental Group at (800) 407-0161 to schedule your next appointment.