Common Dental Health Concerns For Seniors
As adults continue to age past their so-called “prime years,” many gradually discover in various ways how their health is changing and how they must now approach it.
To get a notion of the type of dental issues age tends to bring toward seniors, take a look at the listing below to find out more on each common issue.
Cavities Due to Medication
Even though many don’t recognize it until they experience it for themselves, all elderly adults put in a new phase of life where they’re more vulnerable to cavities.
Among the most frequent causes of cavities in seniors is dry mouth. While not specifically a part of the aging process, dry mouth may be one of the several side-effects of over 500 drugs, like those for allergies, asthma, higher cholesterol, hypertension, nervousness, depression, pain, Alzheimer’s, or Parkinson’s.
That is the reason why seniors might be wise to inform their dental practitioner of any medications they’re taking, as they is able to recommend remedies for relieving dry skin and so preventing cavities, like purchasing OTC oral lotions, altering medication or its dose, drinking extra water, or even having a fluoride gel or varnish to protecting teeth from cavities.
Periodontal Disease
Many seniors have periodontal disease, or gum disease, disease, which is brought on by bacteria within the plaque. These bacteria irritate teeth, resulting in them becoming red, swollen, and much more vulnerable to bleeding.
Because of why periodontal disease primarily impacts many adults, it’s ordinarily painless until the subsequent phases. When left untreated, the teeth can begin to clot, forming bubbles in which food remnants and plaque may accumulate.
An advanced periodontal disease may irreversibly damage an individual’s gums in addition to the ligaments and bone that support the teeth, that eventually contribute to tooth loss. Fortunately, with bi-annual dental appointments, periodontal disease can be prevented or treated accordingly.
Mouth Cancer
There are approximately 35,000 cases of tongue, throat, and mouth cancer diagnosed annually, in accordance with the American Cancer Society, together with all the patients’ ages in those cases rounding out to 62. During visits to the dentist, particularly with seniors, they can start looking for any signs of oral cancer.
Routine appointments are particularly significant, given that the beginning phases of oral cancer generally don’t result in annoyance, therefore early detection may save lives. Symptoms include white or reddish spots, open sores, and modifications in the tongue, lips, and also the lining of the mouth lasting over 2 weeks.
With the rising common dental health concerns for seniors, considering a complimentary dentist consultation to avoid health problems that may arise due to poor oral health. For more information, please call Friedman Dental Group today.
