Maintaining good oral hygiene and oral health is a crucial part of leading a healthy lifestyle. Read on to find out more about the most common dental problems to anticipate when your loved ones are over 60 and what to do about them.
Tooth Decay
The root of the tooth can become softer and more exposed as your loved ones age, making them prone to cavities. It is important to prevent this by utilizing a daily fluoride rinse in the oral hygiene routine. Consult your dentist about fluoride prescription gels, especially if your loved ones are already starting to get cavities.
Gum Disease
Some symptoms of gum disease or gingivitis, are swollen, red gums that bleed easily. It is an early sign that could possibly exacerbate and be detrimental to health. Gum disease left untreated can often develop into periodontitis, which is when the gum pulls away from the tooth and creates pockets that have the potential to become infected. Further exacerbation could lead to the loss of bones in the jaw as well as the loss of the teeth themselves. The treatment for this condition would be regular dental visits so that the teeth can be cleaned and the gums treated for the condition.
Tooth Crowding
Your loved ones’ teeth shift as they age and can cause their teeth to be more difficult to clean, leading to more incidents of tooth decay. Misaligned teeth could also result in teeth erosion as well as damage to the supporting tissue and bone. In addition to that, older adults also have a higher tendency to suffer from periodontal disease, possibly causing them to end up losing their teeth at a faster rate. To treat this, your loved ones need to see an orthodontist who may try and fit them with a retainer, spacer or braces. Regular checkups with the dentist would be useful in treating tooth crowding, especially for more frequent cleanings to prevent plaque buildup.
Dry Mouth
Symptoms of dry mouth include the inability to produce saliva. Given that saliva protects people from tooth decay, the inability to produce it may put your oral hygiene at risk. The calcium and phosphate present in the saliva can help to prevent the demineralization of the teeth and is necessary for good oral health. Symptoms include an uncomfortable feeling in the mouth, issues swallowing, dry throat as well as cracked and dry lips. Medications and smoking can cause dry mouth and it would be best to reduce or stop smoking if your loved ones currently do in order to prevent dry mouth from occurring.
Lead an Active and Healthy Life at Discovery Commons South Biscayne
Let Discovery Commons South Biscayne help to ensure a healthy lifestyle for your loved ones. We offer reliable and efficient caregiving to meet your loved ones’ every need. Discovery Commons South Biscayne is devoted to making sure that the residents have everything that it has to offer. We provide Dimensions Health and Wellness programs to make sure that the oral health of your loved ones is well taken care of. What are you waiting for? Contact us now to find out more about what we have to offer.
