Sunset Dental Care provides oral health services for patients of all ages, including seniors. As we age, our teeth continue to change and our oral health can deteriorate in older age. As a senior, you will still need to focus on proper oral hygiene. Taking the steps to protect your teeth and gums will ensure you have a quality smile until the end of your life. This blog will share common problems that seniors face when it comes to their oral health and how dental care for seniors can prevent them.
Common Issues Experienced By Senior Patients
Even if you have taken proper care of your oral health throughout your life, older age can cause problems with your teeth. Medication, aging, and previous health conditions can all lead to dental issues for seniors. This is why consistent dental care for seniors is crucial. Here are some common oral problems that senior patients experience.
1- Dry Mouth
Many aging adults experience dry mouth or xerostomia. It occurs when the salivary glands are not producing enough saliva to keep the mouth moist. A dry mouth is not only frustrating, but it also can lead to tooth decay. Saliva helps us rinse our teeth and remove bacteria build-up, so when your saliva is limited, you are more prone to other issues.
2- Tooth Decay
There is always a risk of tooth decay for a patient of any age. For seniors, untreated cavities or existing genetic issues can cause tooth decay to speed up in older age. Tooth decay is more common when you neglect your oral health, so seniors need to keep attending dental cleanings. Tooth loss can be a major struggle for seniors and lead to a dip in chewing ability and speech.
3- Darkened Teeth
Changes in dentin can cause older teeth to darken or yellow. This can be caused by a lifetime of eating and drinking acidic foods or by a lack of dental care earlier in life. Your dentist can help prevent darkening teeth from turning into a more serious issue.
4- Denture Problems
Ill-fitting dentures or unclean dentures can lead to major oral issues for seniors. Finding the right denture fit will help prevent jaw deterioration and gum damage. Working closely with your dentist will ensure you have the proper dentures and that they remain clean.
Dental Tips For Seniors
People of all ages need to brush, floss, and visit the dentist regularly. Keeping your teeth intact and preventing gum disease is a lifelong commitment, even for aging seniors. Dental care for seniors is just as important as for those with baby teeth. Our practice at Sunset Dental Care wants to help you know what dental care tips are most important to your oral health. Here are some of our top tips for senior patients.
1- Keep Up On Oral Hygiene
Even as an adult, you need to keep up with your oral hygiene routine. This includes proper brushing, flossing, a good diet, and frequent dental visits. Taking care of yourself will help you feel better and look better for longer. Your oral health shouldn’t be an exception in your older age.
2- Stay Hydrated
Drinking water is important for well-rounded health, including keeping your teeth intact. Drinking water helps to rinse out your mouth after eating and reduces the risk of cavities. Water helps reduce the risk of dry mouth as well, especially in senior patients. Drinking 8 cups of water a day is recommended for most adults to help flush our systems and keep our mouths clean.
3- Maintain A Healthy Diet
A diet with vegetables, proteins, and grains will help strengthen teeth. One of our top tips for dental care for seniors is to increase the amount of vitamins and minerals they get from food. Leafy greens and fruits are a great source of these that can help prevent tooth decay.
4- Keep Up On Regular Dental Visits
Even as adults when our teeth are fully grown, visiting the dentist is crucial to your oral health. Dental visits help you detect cavities early, clean off plaque build-up, and help prevent other gum issues. Your dentist can also recommend additional tips to help seniors take better care of their teeth. Dental visits make oral care less daunting, especially in older age.
5- Communicate With Your Healthcare Provider
Additional health problems can come up as we age, which can also lead to tooth sensitivity, cavities, jaw pain, tooth discoloration, breakage, etc. Communicating with your healthcare provider and your dentist will give you knowledge about what health problems could be affecting your teeth, or what medications could weaken your tooth enamel.
6- Quit Bad Habits
In adulthood, it can be difficult to quit habits we formed in our early years. Smoking, drinking, or other small habits like chewing on pens, eating sweets, etc., can all impact your teeth. All of these habits can cause major damage to tooth enamel and lead to premature tooth decay, even before you reach your older senior years. If you are struggling with your oral health, try cutting out some bad habits or foods to start.
Sunset Dental Care
Our dental team wants to help families and patients of all kinds. No matter your age, dental cleanings, and cavity fillings are essential. Our dental office at Sunset Dental Care is ready to help you love your smile!