DENTAL CARE FOR SENIORS

 

 

Advancing age puts many seniors at risk for a number of oral health problems, such as:

 

1. DARKENED TEETH: Caused, to some extent, by changes in dentin - the bone like tissue that underlies the tooth enamel - and by a lifetime of consuming stain-causing foods and beverages.

2. DRY MOUTH: Dry mouth is caused by reduced saliva flow, which can be a result of cancer treatments that use radiation to the head and neck area, as well as certain diseases, such as Sjogren's syndrome, and medication side effects.

3. DIMINISHED SENSE OF TASTE: While advancing age impairs the sense of taste, diseases, medications, and dentures can also contribute to this sensory loss.

4. ROOT DECAY: This is caused by exposure of the tooth root to decay-causing acids. The tooth roots become exposed as gum tissue recedes from the tooth.

5. GUM DISEASE: Caused by plaque and made worse by food left in teeth, use of tobacco products, poor fitting bridges and dentures, poor diets, and certain diseases, this is often a problem for older adults.

6. TOOTH LOSS: Gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss.

7. UNEVEN JAWBONE: This is caused by tooth loss.

8. DENTURE-INDUCED STOMATITIS: Ill-fitting dentures, poor dental hygiene, or a buildup of the fungus Candida albicans (Thrush) cause this condition, which is inflammation of the tissue underlying a denture.

 

Age in and of itself is not a dominant or sole factor in determining oral health. However, certain medical conditions, such as arthritis in the hands and fingers, may make brushing or flossing teeth difficult to impossible to perform. Drugs can also affect oral health and may make a change in your dental treatment necessary.

 

Daily brushing and flossing of natural teeth is essential to keeping them in good oral health. Plaque can build up quickly on the teeth of seniors, especially if oral hygiene is neglected, and lead to tooth decay and gum disease.

 

To maintain good oral health, it's important for all individuals to:

1. Brush at least twice a day with a fluoride containing toothpaste

2. Floss at least once a day

3. Visit your dentist on a regular schedule for cleaning and an oral exam

 

If you're a senior headed for a check up, your dentist should conduct a thorough history and dental exam. During an oral exam, your dentist will check the following: your face and neck; your bite; your jaw; your lymph nodes and salivary glands; your inner cheeks; your tongue and other interior surfaces; and your teeth.

 

If you wear dentures or other appliances, your dentist will ask a few questions about when you wear your dentures and when you take them out. He or she will also look for any irritation or problems in the areas in the muth that the appliance touches, and examine the denture or appliance itself.

 

If you are a senior on a limited or fixed income and can't afford regular dental care, many dentists offer their services at reduced fees through dental society-sponsored assistance programs. Since aid varies from one community to another, call your local dental society for information about where you can find the nearest assistance programs and low-cost care locations. Also, check your local phone book, the internet, or your local dental society.

 

source: www.webmd.com