Having poor oral health care for seniors can affect a number of important factors, including the person’s appetite, weight, and immune system. It can also affect how seniors view themselves. Poor oral health is a growing concern among seniors. A lack of oral care can not only lead to additional health concerns, but can also affect a person’s emotional well-being.
There are a number of factors to look out for if you are a senior. If you have been experiencing any of the factors below, consult your dentist to find a solution that will work for you.
- Dry Mouth or Xerostomia—Seniors may be required to take medication that can cause dryness in their mouth. Without saliva’s natural defense system, a dry mouth can make seniors more prone to cavities and tooth decay. If you are experiencing dryness in your mouth, read over your medication’s side effects and consult your doctor. Read here for more tips on what you can do if you have a dry mouth.
- Bad Breath—Seniors are more likely to experience bad breath. As they find themselves experiencing new social situations, it can make them more socially isolated. We at 123Dentist.com have some tips to help with bad breath, click here to learn more.
- Tooth Loss— According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, 27.27% of seniors over age 65 have no remaining teeth. Out of those that do have teeth, seniors over the age of 65 have an average of 18.90 remaining teeth. Considering that adults have an average of 32 teeth, seniors do have a high chance of experiencing tooth loss. In order to avoid tooth loss, make sure you maintain proper oral care and hygiene.
- Cavities—Seniors are more at risk of developing cavities than children. To avoid cavities, don’t consume foods that are high in sugar on a regular basis and make sure you take good care of your oral health. Read here to learn more about what you can do to avoid getting cavities.
- Poor Denture Care—Dentures are a common way of treating tooth loss and require just as much care as natural teeth do. Seniors are often at risk of having poor denture care, which can lead to a multitude of oral health problems as the dentures may shift or not fit properly in your mouth. Plaque can also easily build up underneath the denture and irritate your gums and tissue. To learn more about how to properly maintain your dentures, click here.
- Gum Disease—Many seniors suffer from gum disease but don’t think they can do anything to treat it. Gum disease is linked to several health concerns among seniors, including heart disease. This makes it especially important that you take care of your teeth and gums, especially if you think you may have gum disease. To learn more about how you can tell if you have gum disease, click here.
- Tooth Discoloration—As you age, the enamel on your teeth gets worn away, which makes seniors at risk of experiencing tooth discoloration. In order to avoid tooth discoloration, make sure you avoid certain foods that can stain your teeth. Click here to learn more what foods you need to stay away from.
To learn more about how you can properly maintain your teeth and gums, visit a 123Dentist location today! A dentist will be happy to assess your needs and give you tips on how you can better maintain your oral health.
