The advancing age puts many seniors at risk of numerous oral health problems such as gum disease, sensitive teeth, tooth loss, tooth and root decay, dry mouth, denture-induced stomatitis. We just get one set of permanent teeth, hence it is critical to take care of them for our entire lives.
If you take proper care of your teeth and have regular dental checkups, your teeth can last a lifetime. No matter what your age is, you need to take care of your oral health by brushing twice a day and flossing daily to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Also, you can visit your dentist regularly for professional dental checkups and cleaning.
Following are certain dental health issues that seniors face:
Even if you have the habit of brushing and flossing regularly, there might be certain dental issues that you will face in your senior years.
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A common problem among older adults is cavities and decay that occur on the root surfaces of the teeth. Hence, brushing your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist on a regular basis for checkups is important.
- Another increasing dental problem at an older age is sensitivity. This starts because your gums may have receded naturally over time, and the areas of the tooth that aren’t secured by enamel are exposed. These areas are susceptible to pain due to the consumption of hot or cold food items or beverages. You can use an anti-sensitivity toothpaste if you experience sensitivity, but if the problem still persists, you should visit your dentist.
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Another dental issue is of dry mouth. If the problem of dry mouth is not treated, then it may increase tooth decay.
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If you have other health conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or cancer, even that can affect your oral health. Hence, it is important to open up to your dentist and let your dentist know about your general health conditions if you are facing any. This way your dentist will understand the whole situation and treat you accordingly.
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Dentures may make life convenient for older adults, but they also require special care. So, you need to listen and follow your dentist’s advice and go for annual checkups and also inform your dentist if any problem arises.
- Gum disease is another serious problem that affects older adults. It can be caused due to various factors such as poor oral hygiene, bad diet, diseases like diabetes, heart diseases, cancer, smoking, and others. If gum diseases are detected at the early stage, it is reversible, hence it is crucial to spot gum diseases as early as possible.
Expressions Dental™ Clinic in Calgary has a team of dental professionals to help you with all kinds of dental problems and provide dental treatment. To make an appointment, contact at +1 (403) 252 7733