Good oral health is important for overall wellness and health. Therefore, seniors should give importance to their oral health like physical health. If proper dental care is neglected, the consequences could affect their overall health.
What Are the Common Dental Problems in Seniors?
The common oral problems include:
- Gum disease
- Tooth decay
- Dry mouth
- Receding gums
- Heart disease
- Oral cancer
Why Senior Dental Health Care Is Important
Poor oral health habits can lead seniors to be susceptible to the following issues:
- Heart Disease: Oral diseases such as gingivitis, missing teeth, and cavities can lead to heart diseases. You can fight against strokes, heart attacks, and other heart problems by maintaining good oral health.
- Diabetes: Periodontitis can cause diabetes. Good oral care and regular dental checkups can prevent this condition.
- Darkened Teeth: Poor brushing and flossing habits can darken your teeth. Sometimes, darkened teeth may be a sign of a serious dental problem and should be checked by your dentist.
- Pneumonia: Poor oral health can cause pneumonia in older people. Good oral care is important to fight against the pneumonia-causing bacteria.
- Dry Mouth: Taking certain medications and cancer treatments can contribute to dry mouth. Dry mouth can cause digestive problems.
- Root Decay: Elders are more susceptible to this condition. It is caused by the exposure of tooth root to decay-causing acids. It can be painful and pose a problem.
- Denture-Induced Stomatitis: Poor oral hygiene, poor-fitting dentures or the buildup of the fungus Candida albicans causes this condition. It can be uncomfortable for elders.
- Gum Disease: Unhealthy diet, poor-fitting dentures and bridges, and plaque can cause gum disease. Gum disease can lead to tooth loss and some severe dental problems.
- Uneven Jawbone: Uneven jawbone occurs when a false tooth does not replace a lost or missing tooth. This condition can lead to bite and appearance issues.
How Seniors Can Improve Their Dental Health
Seniors can improve their dental health by following these tips:
- Brush and floss twice a day
- Rinse your mouth with an antiseptic mouthwash once or twice a day
- Clean your dentures every day and remove them while sleeping
- Quit smoking
- Drink tap water, as it contains fluoride, which helps in preventing tooth decay
- Eat a healthy and low-sugar diet
- Visit your dental specialist regularly for checkups and cleanings
Related Article: Support Seniors by Making Dental Care More Affordable for Them
How Often Should Seniors Have Their Teeth Cleaned?
Seniors should clean their teeth twice a day by brushing with a fluoride-containing toothpaste and should floss at least once a day. Like others, they should also visit their dentists at least twice a year. However, if they have dental problems, then that require more frequent care.
Why Is Good Oral Hygiene Important for Older Adults?
Poor dental health can cause bad breath, cavities, tooth decay, gum disease, and more in older adults. These dental problems can further lead to diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and more. By practicing good oral hygiene, they can improve and maintain their oral health for a lifetime.
The Bottom Line
Oral health is not only affected by age. Certain drugs, medical conditions such as arthritis, and genetic reasons can affect dental health. All these reasons make dental health for seniors a priority. Make sure that your senior loved ones schedule dental checkups every six months with our Shoreline dentists or Milton dentists.
