Know About the Dental Care for Seniors

Geriatric dentistry / gerodontics, or simply "seniors oral health” treatment, is the branch of dentistry that provides dental care to older people. It includes diagnosing, preventing, and treating problems related to normal aging and age-related disorders. It is done in conjunction with other healthcare professionals (physicians).



Seniors oral health is neglected and unexplored by most. It is time we understood the concept of a dentist for all ages. Oral health reflects the general well-being of the senior population. On the flip side, with age-related co-morbidities and functional changes, elderly patients are more prone to tooth and gum problems. 

Dental Problems that are Specific to the Elderly

Seniors oral health witness certain specific issues that are age-related. The concept of family dentistry is to treat your children and the elderly with a special eye for age-specific dental issues. 

Here are some of the dental health problems we see in our parents, grandparents, and other elder family members:

Dry mouth

A dry mouth or reduced flow of saliva is often caused by the umpteen medications that the elderly take. Other causes could be ongoing cancer-related radiation or simply poor functioning of the salivary glands. Dry mouths increase the chances of cavities and gum infections. 

Fungal infections

The elderly usually have poor immunity due to age, medications, a restricted diet, and poor hygiene. In addition, a dry mouth can make the oral cavity a haven for the growth of fungus. Fungal infections caused by fungi like Candida are common in the elderly population.

Gum disease and loose teeth

This is a common issue for older people and is caused by plaque and exacerbated by residual food in the mouth, cigarette use, ill-fitting bridges and dentures, a poor diet, and certain conditions like anemia, cancer, and diabetes. Gum infections result in loose teeth and bad breath.

Gum infections are the leading cause of missing teeth in the elderly.

Root decay

This develops when the tooth root gets exposed to the mouth after the gums recede with age. Tooth roots lack enamel as a protective cover and are more vulnerable to decay than the tooth's crown. It usually starts with severe sensitivity to anything that they eat or drink.

Darkened teeth

You will often notice that your grandparents have darker teeth. This happens due to changes in the outer layer, the enamel. The outer enamel layer slowly thins out and wears off, letting the yellower dentin show through. In addition, an entire lifetime of having stain-causing habits like smoking, tea, and coffee drinking also culminates in darker teeth. Darkened teeth look unesthetic and are prone to cavities.

How to Maintain the Seniors Oral Health

With recent advances in dentistry,  family dentistry has been able to assist seniors oral health and those who suffer from age-related dental disorders. 

Here’s how to maintain your oral health like a pro as a senior citizen:

  • Regular brushing and flossing

To keep your mouth healthy, brush your teeth at least twice a day with a super-soft toothbrush and floss once a day. While flossing helps to remove food particles and plaque from the spaces between teeth and along the gum line, brushing helps to remove the visible tartar and prevent tooth decay.

Esthetically, teeth whitening in Waterdown can also be considered in the case of darkened teeth due to stains.

  • Use fluoride toothpaste

Mineral fluoride aids in strengthening tooth enamel and preventing cavities. Therefore, to help protect their teeth, seniors should use fluoride-containing toothpaste.

  • Considering implants or dentures

Dentures, dental bridge, or implants can help seniors who have missing teeth eat and speak more comfortably and avoid other dental issues. They are the best to replace all the teeth that you have lost.

  • Eat healthy and drink enough water

Seniors should limit their intake of sugary and acidic foods, which can erode the thin enamel further and increase the risk of cavities. Seniors should drink plenty of water throughout the day to reverse the effects of a dry mouth.

Conclusion

Seniors oral health is special and challenging. Your family dentist in Waterdown will not only take care of the elderly in your family but will also empathize with them to help them feel at home during a dental procedure.


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