Seniors Battle Gum Disease
Older adults can have teeth that last a lifetime if they took good care of their teeth and gums during the youth and adulthood. There is no time in life when you can relax about your oral care needs. Seniors can encounter special dental needs such as dentures, complications from the medications they take and changes in their mouth.
Older adults are at higher risk for cavities and decay at the root surfaces. This risk makes it more important than ever to continue good dental hygiene.
Seniors should continue to brush at least twice a day, floss once a day and see their dentist every 6 months.
It is not unusual for seniors to experience an increase in sensitivity because gums recede over time exposing areas of the tooth that are usually protected by enamel. The sensitivity may be to hot or cold drinks and food, cold air, and also to sour or sweet drinks and food. This sensitivity can be caused by a cracked or fractured tooth so if the sensitivity persists, the senior should seek an appointment with a dentist.
Certain medications that seniors take can cause dry mouth. Persistant dry mouth can led to dental damage. A dentist can recommend several ways to restore moisture to the mouth as well as to allieviate the problems that dry mouth may create.
Seniors that have certain health conditions like cancer, diabetes and heart disease should tell their dentist as these conditions can lead to dental concerns.
Seniors often require dentures, which require special care. The dentist should give instructions for cleaning as well as routine care and things to be aware of that need to be brought to the dentist’s attention. An annual checkup is normal for denture wearers.
Anyone over 40 years of age can encounter potentially serious gum disease because of exposure to poor dental hygiene, environmental factors like exposure to cigarette smoke, high levels of stress, use of certain medications, systemic diseases such as cancer, diabetes and heart disease, and poor diet. Regular dental care can catch gum disease in the early stages when it can be reversed by good oral hygiene.
Seniors may need crowns and bridges to strengthen damaged or missing teeth.
A crown is used to cover the top of a damaged tooth. A crown is used to improve a tooth’s alignment, appearance, or shape.
Bridges are used to replace one or more teeth. The span across the space left by the missing tooth or teeth. The bridge is cemented to the neighboring natural teeth or if implants are used, cemented to them.
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