Oral Health and Aging: Problems You May Face as You Grow Older
It's important to take care of your oral health at any age, but seniors face a number of problems that you might not expect. As you start to get get older, it's vital to maintain regular dental visits, as your ability to properly care for your teeth may diminish as you age. From dental cavities to gum disease, you need to pay special attention to your teeth to avoid unnecessary pain and to keep as many permanent teeth as possible throughout your lifespan. Here are some issues you may run into as a senior and how to prevent them:
Difficulty Eating Because of Poor Oral Hygiene
It's hard enough for some older individuals to eat healthy, full meals, but if they have poor oral hygiene or are missing a few teeth, it becomes even more difficult. However, this does not have to be a normal part of the aging process. When you take care of your teeth, ensuring that any cavities are remedied early on, there is no reason you have to begin losing teeth once you are older.
Gum Disease that Becomes Difficult to Treat
Gum disease occurs when your gums become inflamed, irritated and infected. While early gum disease can be reversed, more advanced gum disease can be very difficult to treat. Left untreated, serious gum disease can cause you to lose teeth. According to the National Institute of Craniofacial Research, 17.20% of adults 65 and older are suffering from gum disease. Current smokers have a higher rate of gum disease than nonsmokers, and those that are less affluent tend to have a higher percentage of gum disease.
Gum disease does not have to be part of the aging process. With regular dental checkups, a healthy diet, and twice daily brushing and flossing, you can help prevent gum disease and keep your natural teeth throughout your lifetime.
Dry Mouth Problems Due to Medication
While dry mouth can occur for any number of reasons, a main cause of dry mouth is prescription medication. When your mouth does not produce enough saliva, you are at a higher risk for developing tooth decay. Saliva helps keep your mouth clean, preventing bacteria and germs from building up. Dry mouth can also cause problems with dentures, because when your mouth is dry, dentures may not fit properly, which can cause sore spots in your mouth. Other causes of dry mouth include certain medical conditions such as HIV/AIDS, chemotherapy, radiation, and nerve damage. If you suffer from dry mouth, it's time to talk with your doctor about potential causes and what you can do to make this less bothersome.
Speak with a family dentist like Sarah M. LYNCH DMD for further information.
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