What Are the Common Dental Problems of Old Age?
As you age, there are some natural changes that occur in your body, including the mouth. If identified early and addressed, the person can enjoy good oral health during the sunset years as well. The need is to follow a regular dental care routine and make periodic visits to a dentist. For instance, to the Northcote dentist should you be living in the Northcote area of Western Australia. Read the blog further to know the types of dental problems that can visit a senior and how to address them. Common Dental Problems During Old Age The natural process of aging can cause a variety of dental problems, some of which are unique to seniors. Understanding these can help them take better care of their oral health and prevent serious complications. Dry Mouth: This happens to be one of the side effects of aging and is caused by the lack of saliva in the mouth. Usually it manifests itself as a side effect of some medication and becomes common with age as the salivary glands produce less saliva. Remember, saliva plays an important role in washing out food debris, acid, and plaque from the mouth. Hence, its absence or the lack of it can heighten the risk of tooth decay. Dry mouth is known to cause a host of dental issues, such as difficulty speaking, chewing, and swallowing, as well as an increased risk of cavities and gum disease. To combat dry mouth, seniors need to drink plenty of water and chew sugar-free gum. Even some artificial saliva products are available, which should only be taken after consulting a dentist at your nearby clinic, say a Northcote dental clinic. Gum Disease: Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a common dental issue that affects seniors. It occurs when the buildup of plaque causes infection of the gum around the teeth. The gums become inflamed and can lead to tooth loss if left untreated. Poor dental hygiene, smoking, and certain medications can increase the risk of gum disease. Gum disease can be prevented if seniors take good care of their oral health and visit the dentist regularly to check for any signs of gum disease or other dental issues. For more information on how to prevent gum disease or treat it, visit a Northcote dentist on High Street. Tooth Decay: Tooth decay is also a common dental ailment that affects almost everyone, including seniors. It occurs when bacteria in the mouth produce acid that erodes the tooth enamel. Seniors may be more prone to tooth decay due to age-related changes in their teeth, such as receding gums. This can expose the root of the tooth, create gaps between the tooth and gums for food particles to collect, and make it more susceptible to decay. However, with effective brushing and flossing, food debris, plaque, and bacterial colonies can be removed. Also, regular visits to the dentist should be made to get professional cleaning done, especially below the gum line and on the root surfaces. Tooth Loss: Tooth loss can occur due to reasons such as gum disease, tooth decay, or injury. Missing teeth can affect a senior's ability to chew and speak properly, and can also lead to bone loss in the jaw. So, in addition to taking proper oral care, the seniors can use dentures or dental implants to replace the lost tooth with an artificial one. Sensitive Teeth: The acid produced by the bacteria in the mouth can attack the hard enamel of the tooth, causing it to wear out and become thin. This exposes the dentin inside, with tiny tubules leading to the root. When the dentin comes in contact with hot, cold, sweet, or sour food or beverages, the tooth feels sensitive. If this happens, then one needs to be careful not to brush too hard or overbrush while cleaning the teeth, as the same could further wear away the enamel. It is advisable to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a desensitising toothpaste. Oral Cancer: Seniors can suffer from oral cancer affecting any part of the mouth. This may include the gums, throat, tongue, or lips. This can happen more in people who smoke, use tobacco products, have a weakened immune system, or have a history of oral cancer in their family. To avoid the risks of contracting oral cancer, seniors should limit their alcohol intake, avoid smoking and taking tobacco products, eat a balanced diet, and visit a dentist regularly. Steps to Prevent Dental Problems in the Old Age Old age can often be the harbinger of many ailments, including dental ones. It is important for seniors to stick to the basics of dental care, as mentioned below: · Visit a dentist, such as a Northcote dentist, regularly to get the teeth and gums checked as well as cleaned professionally · Follow a regular dental care regime, including brushing twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste and flossing once a day · Use interdental brushes to clean the nooks and crannies of the teeth and gums · Use an antibacterial mouthwash along with brushing and flushing to prevent the buildup of plaque · Reduce the intake of sugar and foods containing a heavy amount of starch · Avoid smoking and tobacco products as they can increase the risk of getting oral cancer · If any medication causes dry mouth, then consult the doctor to suggest any alternatives Conclusion Dental problems are a common concern for seniors. Statistically speaking, most seniors over 65 years have some form of dental problem (source: CDC). However, with proper oral care and attention, they can be prevented and treated. Seniors should make sure to take good care of their oral health and visit their dentist regularly. This is to ensure the prompt identification of any underlying dental problem, which can escalate further if not addressed. In doing so, seniors can maintain healthy and happy oral health for many years. To know more about the dos and don’ts of following proper oral care, visit www.northcotefamilydental.com.au or call (03) 9481 5747.
