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Did you know that one in five Americans over sixty-five has no natural teeth left?
Seniors who lose their teeth often struggle with malnutrition and other health problems.
In fact, poor oral health is one of the leading causes of senior illness and death in America.
That's why it's so important to make sure your elderly loved ones are taking good care of their teeth.
Here are a few tips to help them stay healthy and smiling.
Dental problems are common, especially for our seniors.
They’re at high risk of acquiring oral infections and complications that come along with it. These can include dry mouth, severe gum diseases, and oral cancer.
Several studies have also shown that the mouth can be the window to one’s general health, where it can show signs of infections and malnutrition.
Or it can even be the entry point to the respiratory and digestive system, causing systemic infections in the body.
And according to studies, poor oral hygiene often contributes to the progression of chronic diseases.
The American Academy of Periodontology states that there’s a strong connection between periodontal disease and heart health.
Seniors with periodontal disease are more likely to have coronary artery disease or stroke.
It can exacerbate existing cardiac conditions and even increase the risk of infective endocarditis.
Men with gum disease bacteria are 30% more likely to get blood cancer. They’re also likely to get pneumonia due to mouth bacteria aspirated into the lungs.
Other research also shows an association between oral disease and the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.
The bacteria may travel along the brain and contribute to the development of the disease.
And since oral health is associated with the body’s overall health, our senior dental care should be prioritized.
Our seniors are more likely to experience dental emergencies, such as toothaches, broken dentures, and broken teeth.
And if they’re ever in this situation, it can be scary and painful.
Often they’re unsure of what to do, who to call, and what they can do at home.
Fortunately, here are some guidelines on how to best handle common dental emergencies.
While you might think you can remember all the things you need to discuss with your dentist, it’s a good idea to make a checklist for them.
You can use it as your reference during your visit. And this should include everything you want to ask your dentist.
It can be as simple as asking at what age is dental treatment free, what is affordable dental care for seniors, or any recommended dental care products.
And if anything seems out of the ordinary, like having bleeding gums or heightened pain sensitivity, be sure to bring it up to your dentist.
Update your dentist or dental hygienist on your complete medical history.
It helps the dentist make sure that common conditions like diabetes are not affecting their dental health.
Always alert your doctor to any changes since your previous dental visit. The more they have an overview, the better they can give their specialized care to you.
Going regularly to dental care is very essential to make the most of their dental visits.
Dentists not only check their teeth every visit but also look for signs of oral infections or gum diseases.
They also look for other dental issues and get X-rays for diagnosis. Also, these regular dental visits help seniors and dentists build their relationships more.
Our seniors are more likely to experience dental emergencies, such as toothaches, broken dentures, and broken teeth.
And if they’re ever in this situation, it can be scary and painful.
Often they’re unsure of what to do, who to call, and what they can do at home.
Fortunately, here are some guidelines on how to best handle common dental emergencies.
This is one of the most common emergencies that seniors can get.
Trying to repair dentures at home is not recommended. The best thing you can do for this one is to call your dentist and see what the next step should be.
Calling professionals will assess the damage and can provide you with options on how you can get it fixed.
Chipped or broken teeth can hurt.
Rinse with warm water and use a piece of gauze to stop the bleeding. And then apply a cold compress to the site of injury to relieve swelling and pain.
Toothaches are never good signs. It can mean several conditions, including tooth decay.
And while some can manage without going to the dentist, certain signs like fever and swelling could mean infection, which requires urgent care.
Try to avoid taking painkiller medications because they can affect the gum tissues. Instead, use a cold compress and call for a house dental visit or emergency care.
Regular dental visits are essential for seniors, as they help prevent problems and catch small issues before they become big.
You can do a few things to get the most out of your appointments, like being prepared with a list of questions and concerns, and keeping up with at-home care.
If you have a dental emergency, it's essential to know what to do and who to call. We hope this post has raised awareness about the importance of senior dental care.
Please share it with anyone you think might benefit from reading it!
That's all for today.
Take care, keep mom safe and have a great day!
Winn
I am a Doctor of Physical Therapy and have been working with the 70+ age group for over a decade. I will share my knowledge and experience to give you ideas to care for your aging parents. Read more >>