For those reaching their golden years additional worries about their health are nothing new. Advancing age makes the body more susceptible to injuries, complications, and disease. In addition health issues that build over time often come to a head in later years further complicating a senior’s medical situation. Dental health is no different and there are important things every senior should know about additional risks they may have and what they can do to lower those risks.
Issues Specific to Seniors
Cavities can start to pop up again in old age after not having them for many years. The primary cause of this is dry mouth which is a reduction of the flow of teeth-protecting saliva. Dry mouth is not a natural part of aging however, but a very common side-effect of hundreds of different medications including those for high blood pressure and Parkinson’s disease. Your dentist can help you combat this, provided they’re aware of the medications you’re taking.
Gum disease is often painless until it reaches the advanced stage – and advanced age can often be when it strikes. Seniors may also suffer darkened teeth due to decades consuming stain-causing beverages or the thinning of the outer enamel layer. Tooth loss can also happen more often due to gum disease and root decay that may be the result of receding gums.
Preventative Care
There are a lot of issues but the good news is that most of it can be prevented with a fairly standard dental hygiene regimen catered to your specific needs. That means brushing twice a day, flossing once a day, and visiting your dentist on a regular schedule, a minimum of twice a year or more depending on specific circumstances. For dry mouth specifically drinking more water will help, as will chewing sugar-free gum, oral moisturizers, and avoiding beverages that can irritate dry mouths alike alcohol or coffee.
Getting old isn’t easy but it can be made easier with the right preventative care. If you are, or know, a senior who requires dental care contact us at Pickering Square Dental today and we’ll be happy to assist.
