September 16, 2020
The Importance of Senior Dental Health
Dental care is about more than cosmetics. Dental health affects overall health. As a result, it’s important for seniors to take care of their oral health.
Oftentimes seniors think that dental care is no longer necessary, especially if they are using dentures. However, dental health is important to manage throughout the aging process.
Taking care of dental health while aging is essential. Help seniors manage their oral care by understanding the risks, complications, and needs they face.
Common Dental Challenges Aging Adults Face
While people of all ages are at risk of dental issues like cavities, there are several conditions that seniors are more susceptible to. Common dental challenges people face while aging include:
Dry Mouth: A condition in which the mouth doesn’t produce enough saliva, dry mouth affects the acid levels in the mouth. This can affect swallowing, digestion, and the teeth and gums negatively. Seniors are especially prone to this condition, especially if their medications list dry mouth as a possible side effect.
Root and Coronal Caries: The decay of the teeth, basic dental caries are often just called cavities. The decay can affect the roots of the tooth and the jawbone as well. Caries can be caused by poor oral hygiene, a poor diet, dry mouth, and more.
Periodontitis: Periodontitis is a gum infection and can cause inflammation and pain. It is often caused by poor oral hygiene or a buildup of bacteria in the mouth.
9 Reasons Dental Health Care Matters
Heart disease can be linked to gum disease
Poor oral hygiene can contribute to pneumonia
Periodontitis can exacerbate diabetes
Teeth darken without proper care
Gum disease can lead to tooth loss
Dry mouth poses digestive issues
Root decay can be painful
Teeth can move if others are lost and not replaced
Ill-fitting dentures can be painful and unhealthy
Diseases That Can Affect Oral Health
Special attention should be given to the dental health of seniors with diseases like:
Liver disease
Diabetes
Arthritis
Anemia
Osteoporosis
Autoimmune disorders
Best Tips for Managing Senior Oral Care
Most dental health problems seniors face are preventable with the right care. Unfortunately, there are many reasons that seniors do not maintain their oral health effectively. Common causes of poor oral hygiene among seniors include:
Decreased mobility
Impaired memory
Side effects of medication
Medical conditions that affect oral health
The best way to protect seniors’ dental health is to help them manage their oral care. Caregivers can help in various ways. Caregivers might:
Help with brushing or flossing
Set reminders to brush or floss
Encourage seniors to use mouthwash
Schedule regular dental cleanings
Offer transportation to the dentist
Urge seniors to talk to their doctor if medications are causing dry mouth
Simple strategies like these can help seniors avoid dental health problems. This can enable seniors to keep their natural teeth longer and to enjoy regular diets instead of having to switch to soft food due to tooth decay.
Source: ClearCare Online
At EPAGA Home Care, our caregivers are thoroughly trained in providing care to seniors and those with disabilities, including making trips to the dentist’s office effortless.
For more information on how we can assist you or your loved one with services like visits to the dental cleanings, please visit our services page at the link below.