The importance of dental care for seniors

As we age, our health starts giving us trouble. Just like other parts of our bodies, the condition of our natural teeth also starts to deteriorate if we do not lose them. The remaining natural teeth are at risk of tooth decay and gum disease, leading to extreme pain, chewing problems and radical changes in our facial appearance.

Dental care is important for senior citizens, but is often dismissed as Medicare and Medicaid do not cover dental services. This results in a lot of us not getting proper dental care as we age. We tend to turn to regular hospitals when a dental dilemma occurs as opposed to a dental clinic.

We need to ensure that we take good care of our teeth throughout our lives, but when old age is nearing and upon us, it becomes substantially important not to ignore dental care. Let’s learn what could happen as we age if we do not care for out dental well-being, and why dental care is of utmost importance as we become senior citizens.

Here are nine reasons dental care is vital for senior citizens:

1. Heart disease

There is a connection between gum disease and heart disease. Studies state that in old age,  a periodontal disease is as severe as heart diseases.

2. Pneumonia

Poor oral health has been linked to pneumonia in senior citizens. Pneumonia is very difficult to treat as we age.

3. Diabetes

Gum disease hinders your body’s ability to use insulin. As we get old, this can be a major health threat. It is better to prevent gum disease to be safe from diabetes.

4. Gum (periodontal) disease

Gum diseases like gingivitis and periodontitis is caused by food, plaque and tobacco left in your mouth. Gum disease is an infection of the tissue that supports your teeth and is the leading cause of tooth loss amongst senior citizens who mostly show some signs of gum damage. Periodontitis affects more than half of 65 to 74-year-olds. Bacterial infection causes gums and the bone supporting the teeth to break.

5. Dry mouth

Saliva keeps the mouth wet and protects the teeth from decay. Most of us need to consume medications with age that can cause changes to our oral tissue. Saliva plays a major role in stopping tooth decay as it washes away the bacteria and food particles trapped in the mouth.

6. Root caries (decay)

Root decay is caused by exposure to acids from food and when the teeth don’t get cleaned in a proper manner. There are other causes as well, but bottom line, if you get caries in old age, it will just make it that much more painful and treating it will also become that much more difficult.

7. Uneven jawbone

If teeth are lost and not replaced, the teeth have a tendency to drift and shift into open spaces creating an uneven jawbone which affects facial expressions. With age, there will be loss of teeth. It is inevitable.

8. Denture-induced stomatitis

Getting your denture fitted properly is crucial because poorly fitting dentures and bad dental hygiene can inflame the tissue underlying your denture causing stomatitis.

9. Oral cancer

Oral cancer is most prominent in people over 40 years of age. Unfortunately, oral cancer is often difficult to detect in its early stages when it can be cured easily. See a dentist if you notice any red or white patches on any other oral tissues. Watch for sores that take more than 2 weeks to heal.

It is important to ensure proper dental care and hygiene no matter what the age, but lack of proper and sufficient dental care in old age can be way more traumatizing to the body. It is always better to take proper care of your health and dental health.

Some Tips for Better Dental Care

• Brush twice a day with a toothbrush with soft bristles and toothpaste containing fluoride
• Try using an electric toothbrush
• Clean between your teeth once a day with floss or any other dental cleaner
• Clean your dentures on a daily basis
• Remove your dentures for at least 4 hours a day-with the knowledge that it is best to remove them at night
• Drink tap water since it contains fluoride and prevents tooth decay
• Quit smoking as it increases problems with gum disease, tooth decay and tooth loss
• Visit a dentist on a regular schedule for a complete dental checkup, cleaning and oral exams
• Consume a healthy, well-balanced diet that includes dairy and high-fibre foods