Dental Care for Seniors
Muscle Shoals, AL
 As we get older, our dental health requirements change. It is crucial to adjust to the new reality and subscribe to a dental care routine that suits our health.
We understand the specific dental care needs of seniors to help them remain healthy and comfortable. At Singing River Dentistry, we pay attention to the needs of our older patients by providing customized dental care.
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Preventive Dental Health Care for Seniors
Maintaining good oral hygiene is important at any age, but it becomes even more vital as we age. Many seniors face a decline in their overall health due to inadequate oral hygiene earlier in life. Preventive oral health can go a long way in helping seniors live healthy lives in general. Here are some essential tips for preventive dental care for seniors:
Brush and Floss Regularly
Brushing twice a day with fluoride-enriched toothpaste helps remove bacteria, which can damage enamel and cause decay. Flossing removes food particles between teeth that brushing might miss. Even with regular brushing, chances are that infections may still strike. That is why you should also rinse with antiseptic cleansers. Using an antibacterial mouthwash kills bacteria and stops plaque buildup.
Regular Dental Checkups
Dental checkups are crucial for detecting decay or other issues early. Seniors should see their dentist at least every six months. You may be required to see your dentist more often if you suffer from special oral health conditions.
What to Expect During a Senior Dental Exam
During an oral exam, your dentist will examine various aspects, including your face and neck, for any skin discoloration, moles, or sores. The dentist will also check your bite for issues in how your teeth come together when opening and closing your mouth. The examination may include observation of your jaw for signs of clicking or popping in the temporomandibular joint, your lymph nodes, salivary glands for any swelling or lumps, and your inner cheeks for infections. The common infections checked include ulcers, fungal, and gum disease.
Dental Conditions That Affect Seniors
Each condition that arises in an elderly person should be reviewed seriously. This includes dental conditions. Some of the common dental problems that affect the elderly may have far-reaching implications on overall health. For instance, tooth decay may cause heart problems if not addressed. This explains why all dental issues affecting the elderly need close monitoring. Such conditions include:
Darkened Teeth
Teeth can darken over time due to changes in dentin, the bone-like tissue under the enamel. It is often due to years of consuming stain-causing foods and drinks. Thinning of the enamel also lets the darker dentin show through. Darkened teeth might indicate a more serious issue and should be examined by a dentist.
Dry Mouth
Dry lips are caused by limited saliva flow, which can result from cancer treatments involving radiation, certain diseases like Sjögrens syndrome, and side effects of various medications. Many medications can contribute to dry mouth. Seniors experiencing dry mouth should get a dental examination to determine the root of the problem.
Root Decay
Root decay occurs when the tooth root is exposed to acids that cause decay. As gum tissue recedes from the tooth, the roots become exposed. Unlike the crown of the tooth, roots lack enamel for protection, making them more susceptible to decay. Older individuals are more likely to suffer from root decay due to years of consuming such substances. Those who smoke are even at a higher risk and should get regular dental observation.
Gum Disease
Gum disease is caused by plaque and can be aggravated by leftover food particles, tobacco use, poorly fitting bridges and dentures, unhealthy diets, and certain illnesses like anemia, cancer, and diabetes. This condition is particularly common among older adults.
Denture-Induced Stomatitis
This condition, which is inflammation of the tissue under a denture, can be caused by ill-fitting dentures, failure to maintain dental hygiene, or a buildup of the fungus Candida albicans. Besides these conditions, diseases or medications that affect the immune system can lead to an overgrowth of Candida albicans in the mouth. Such a condition needs urgent treatment to prevent it from seriously damaging your oral health.
Restorative Dental Care for Seniors
In most cases, seniors require restorative treatments. The most common therapeutic procedures for seniors include fillings, crowns and bridges, root canals, dentures, and implants. Depending on their specific needs, a senior might require one or a combination of these treatments to maintain good dental health in their later years.
Dental Fillings for Seniors
Fillings replace lost tooth structure due to cavities and strengthen teeth weakened by fractures or wear and tear over time. They also help prevent further deterioration of existing tooth structures.
Crowns & Bridges
Crowns are used when large areas of tooth structure are lost due to decay or fractures. Bridges involve attaching artificial replacement teeth between two natural ones to restore chewing function and prevent remaining natural teeth from shifting, which could lead to further issues like periodontal disease.
Root Canals for Seniors
Root canals involve removing infected pulp tissue from the center of an affected tooth and cleaning out all traces of infection. The tooth canal is then filled with a special material.
Dentures & Implants
Dentures come in two forms: partial dentures, which replace several missing teeth, and full sets, which replace all upper and lower teeth. They offer long-term stability for patients to eat food normally, unlike the slipping or movement often associated with traditional dentures.
Schedule in Muscle Shoals, AL Today!
At Singing River Dentistry, we care about your oral health. We know that aging teeth can be delicate. That is why we offer special care for our senior patients. To be part of our dental care community, call us at 256-712-3186. |
