As people age, various parts of the body become more susceptible to issues. Sadly, your oral health is no different and dental conditions become more common with age. These issues can range from gum disease and dry mouth to oral infections and tooth decay. So what exactly can you do to prevent dental issues as you age?
Tips for Elderly Dental Care
Although dental complications are more common among the elderly, there are things you can do to prevent these issues from happening. These include:
- Avoid the use of cigarettes and other tobacco products.
- Eat a diet high in fruits, vegetables, vitamins, and minerals.
- Stay hydrated by drinking ample amounts of water.
- Consider an electronic toothbrush to help brush properly and effectively.
- Use mouthwash after meals and snacks.
- Brush your teeth twice at a minimum
- Floss your teeth once a day at minimum.
- Schedule routine dental examinations and teeth cleanings.
Maintaining a relationship with your Pearland dentist as you age is extremely important. Oral examinations will allow us to look for any signs of decay, infection, disease, and cancer. When caught early, most dental conditions can be easily managed or treated. Some of the most common dental conditions we see in our elderly patients are:
- Tooth Decay – As we age, there are many reasons tooth decay becomes more common. Certain systemic diseases, medications and lifestyle choices can increase your risk of dental decay. By scheduling routine examinations and cleanings, your dentist can remove plaque, debris and bacteria you may miss.
- Gum Disease – Gum disease is an extremely common condition in elderly patients that can lead to infections, bad breath, and even tooth loss. Scheduling routine cleanings with your Pearland dental office can help reduce the risk of gum disease or help maintain it if you have already been diagnosed.
- Dry Mouth – As we age our mouth begins to produce less saliva for a variety of reasons. In the elderly, medications and diseases are the most common reasons. Dry mouth can increase the risk of decay, infection and even gum disease.
- Oral Cancer – More than half the cases of oral cancer diagnosed each year are 65 or older. When you schedule routine dental appointments, it allows your dentist to check for any signs of oral cancer or other diseases, allowing them to act quickly and devise a treatment plan. Catching any oral condition early is always more beneficial for good outcomes.