Even if you have always been conscientious of your oral hygiene, age can have a negative impact on your oral health. Commonly, dental problems in seniors result from a lack of care, however, the state of an individual’s teeth and gums later in life will always be unpredictable.
While you can be actively engaged in good oral hygiene habits, it is impossible to get a full picture of your oral health without the help of a geriatric dental professional. Seniors, their adult children, and caregivers often can’t fathom just how big of a role dental health still plays in their overall quality of life.
To help promote awareness and educate the population on dental health complications facing the aging population, our dentists have compiled a list of frequently asked questions that we believe elderly adults and others should be aware of:
Elderly adults are not susceptible to cavities – right?
People mistake cavities as something that only occurs in the mouths of children who are on a diet of candy and soda. Cavities don’t discriminate based on age. Seniors are just as susceptible to developing cavities as anyone else. Older fillings are prime spots for tooth decay, receding gums leave a larger area of tooth exposed, and dry mouth takes away the saliva necessary to prevent infections within the mouth.
Is there anything that can be done about loose teeth?
Loose teeth can happen for a number of reasons. Do you grind your teeth at night? Do you feel yourself constantly clenching your jaw? These are a few common causes of loose teeth. Another cause is tooth decay. If you are experiencing loose teeth, talk to your dentist as soon as possible.
Can seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s receive dental care?
Of course! In fact, it is even more imperative that people with dementia or Alzheimer’s receive proper care, especially because oral hygiene is not a top priority in nursing homes or other assisted living facilities. At Onsite Dentists Of Texas, our dentists are trained to work with patients who experience memory loss.
Is it necessary for someone with no teeth to see a dentist?
Yes, even denture-wearers still need to see a dentist regularly. You don’t need to have teeth in order to develop oral cancer. At Onsite Dentists Of Texas, we offer complimentary oral cancer screenings to our patients! Loose dentures can also cause a myriad of complications, so a dentist can help reline dentures and ensure they are safely cleaned.
If you have any other questions, never hesitate to reach out to our doctors!