Maintaining your teeth and gums as you grow older might be difficult due to the fact that aging and other health conditions can make you more susceptible to dental issues.
Older people are more likely to suffer from oral health issues due to a combination of factors including a lifetime of chewing, grinding, gnashing, and general wear and tear.
Tooth discomfort, inflamed gums, bleeding gums, or an infection in the gums are all the symptoms that the elderly often encounter.
Here are six of the most frequent senior dental issues, as well as tips on how to avoid, treat, and manage them.
1. Gum disease is prevalent
The bacteria in plaque irritate the gums, causing them to redden, swell, and be more prone to bleeding. This condition is known as periodontal disease and affects three in ten Australians. Mature people are more likely to have gum disease since it’s generally a painless ailment until it’s in its severe stages.
Without treatment, gums may peel away from teeth, creating pockets where food debris and plaque can accumulate if left alone. Toxic bacteria in the mouth may eat away at the gums, the bone, and ligaments that hold teeth in place, resulting in tooth loss. The good news is that gum disease may be cured or avoided totally with frequent dental appointments provided in professional dental clinics such as Dental Lab Australia. Make your appointment today!
2. Tooth decay can be serious
Tooth decay is most common in children and adolescents. Developing tooth decay becomes less common when the adult dentition takes shape in later life. That does not, however, mean that we should not be concerned about the emergence of tooth decay in later years as well.
Root decay is one of the most common types of deterioration. You’ll see on the surface of the teeth that are normally covered by gums there are now lesions known as periapical lesions. Root decay might be exacerbated by conditions that affect saliva production. To stop your teeth from decaying make sure to visit your dentist once or twice a year like Little Caribbean dentist. Plus, never forget to brush your teeth and floss.
3. Dry mouth from meds
Medications or medical disorders may cause dry mouth in the elderly. Your teeth are more vulnerable to cavities and infections if you don’t have enough saliva to wash away food particles and bacteria. Saliva plays an important role in maintaining the delicate equilibrium of calcium in your mouth, which is dispersed between teeth and oral flora.
When your mouth is dry, you’re more likely to engage in habits that are detrimental to your teeth, such as eating sugary foods. Your teeth will be vulnerable to acid assaults because of your eating habits, such as sucking on mints and sweets. Consult your dentist to learn about the best ways to combat dry mouth, such as drinking enough water to the point where you never feel dehydrated.
4. Gum recession can be prevented
Our gums are also very affected by age. This can be seen in the dental problem called gum recession. Basically, your gums recede away from the teeth exposing them. Gum disease and poor oral hygiene are the most prevalent culprits, although others include smoking, a family history of the condition, and teeth grinding or bruxism.
As gums recede, teeth may look as if they’ve grown bigger. If left untreated, this illness may cause extensive damage to the tissues of the mouth, an increased risk of gum disease, and the loss of teeth. As always, the best treatment is prevention, which may be achieved by the use of proper dental hygiene, the stopping of tobacco use, and the avoidance of sugary foods.
Make an appointment as soon as possible if your or your elderly loved one displays indications of gum recession. There are a variety of treatment options, including extensive cleaning and scaling, as well as surgical treatments like gum grafts.
5. Oral cancer – risks grow with age
Oral cancer is more likely to occur as a person becomes older. There is an increased danger for those who habitually smoke or consume alcohol. Don’t skip out on a visit to the dentist if you notice any sores, ulcers, or changes in the color of the tissue in or around the mouth of yourself or an elderly relative.
Acting quickly can be a true lifesaver, therefore frequent dental checks are essential.
6. Mouth ulcers are more frequent in elderly
Broken teeth, ill-fitting dentures, and sharp foods are all potential causes of mouth ulcers. Within three weeks, ulcers should heal if the underlying cause is eliminated. See your dentist right immediately if you find an ulcer that isn’t healing. The earlier a dangerous problem, like oral cancer, is discovered, the more effective the treatment may be.
All in all, there’s a lot you can do to prevent dental issues that come with aging. Prevention is key to oral health! Brush your teeth twice a day, make sure to floss, and use some kind of mouth wash to kill all the bad bacteria! In addition to yearly checkups, you should never avoid a visit to your dentist if you notice any changes in your oral health!