Seniors often stop caring for their teeth. However, this is a big mistake. It is very important to take even better care of your teeth as you get older. If you have been getting dental care all of your life, don't stop now. There are specific dental practices that are critical for seniors to do on a regular basis.
2. Seniors often stop caring for their teeth. However, this is a big mistake.
It is very important to take even better care of your teeth as you get
older. If you have been getting dental care all of your life, don't stop
now. There are specific dental practices that are critical for seniors to
do on a regular basis.
3. Visit The Dentist Regularly
It is very important that you continue making regular dentist visits. This
is essential for your dental health overall, and can also help you to save
money on gum disease treatment and other expensive dental
procedures.
4. Professional Denture Care
A majority of individuals choose a temporary repair kit that they can buy
over-the-counter. It is still necessary, however, to have professional
checkups. You can have a denture reline done if your dentures don't fit
right.
5. Consider Using An Electric Toothbrush
It is easy and fun to use an electric toothbrush. For seniors they are
perfect because so many individuals have arthritis and other forms of
decreased mobility.
6. Dental Implants
When seniors have missing teeth, most of them choose to get
dentures. However, there have been improvements made to dental
care. Today, dental implants are a much better alternative, mainly due
to them having a more natural look and feel.
7. Dental Risk Factors For Seniors
Elderly teeth cannot withstand normal daily wear and tear. There are
several reasons for this:
8. Lack Of Fluoride
Fluoride is very helpful in strengthening teeth. It can really help with the
prevention of tooth decay. Unfortunately, bottled water has become so
popular that it has contributed to teeth enamel getting damaged. For
seniors, it is a big risk factor.
Gum Disease
Ninety percent or more of seniors are estimated to have a receding
gum problem. This condition exposes the roots and makes them a lot
more susceptible to different diseases affecting the crown. For this
reason, many seniors have problems with root decay.
9. Arthritis
Many seniors suffer from arthritis. This results in reduced mobility,
making it hard to do things that would be normal otherwise, like flossing
or holding a toothbrush.
Dry Mouth
Dry mouth is a problem that is common among seniors. This is mainly
due to the medication they take from having different health problems.
It is necessary to have saliva to wash food particles away and to
neutralize acidity which can cause tooth decay. Therefore, a dry mouth
can be susceptible to cavities along with other kinds of dental
problems.
10. Tooth Stains
Plaque, just like cavities, can affect individuals of all ages. It hosts
decay that can cause bacterial and also stains your teeth and makes
them yellow. To avoid plaque buildup, bush and floss your teeth every
day. Your dentist can also provide you with plaque rinse.
Root Decay
Root decay develops when a person has receding gums, which leaves
the roots exposed. When exposure is prolonged, it can result in tooth
decay. Obvious root decay signs are notches appearing around your
gum line or a yellowish color.