Good dental health key to healthy life for elderly
Good dental health may be often overlooked, but it shouldn’t be. Especially for older people, good oral care is vital to staying healthy and happy.
Poor oral health can lead to the deterioration of teeth and gums, infections in the mouth that turn into more serious illnesses such as pneumonia, and cardiovascular disease.
Even if you have few of your natural teeth left, this is no excuse to sip dental check-ups. Experts say that visiting the dentist is not just for tooth cleaning, but also an opportunity to screen for oral cancer, check denture fittings and help with many other important issues.
No matter what age, there are several key tips that everyone should follow to maintain good dental health:
– Brush your teeth and gums at least twice a day for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste
– Floss at least once a day, preferably twice, to remove food particles in tough-to-reach places
– Visit the dentist every six months for a routine cleaning and oral examination
– Use an antibacterial mouthwash to reduce bacteria build-up
However, for older people there are specific issues relating to dental health that should be addressed and closely monitored.
Dr Scott Dickinson, Aspen Dental practice owner, has treated many elderly patients and knows that the ageing process can make oral care more challenging, particularly as older people lose some dexterity.
Dr Dickinson offers these tips to avoid a decline in wellness with age due to poor dental health:
– Certain prescriptions can affect the healing process after dental procedures. For example, older people who are prescribed medicine to keep their bones strong may experience a slower healing process after an extraction or cavity procedure. As a preventative measure, dentists should consult with the patient’s doctor about their medicine and check that it’s safe to go ahead with dental work.
– A dry mouth can increase cavities. Some medication can cause dry mouth, which is a common condition among elderly patients. If the mouth doesn’t produce enough saliva, food and plaque will not be naturally washed away, leading to a higher incidence of cavities.
– Ill-fitting dentures can lead to poor nutrition. If patients don’t maintain their dentures they may find chewing painful. A quick denture fitting can alleviate the pain and ensure that patients enjoy their meals – and once again get proper nutrition.
