Taking care of your teeth is important, from the time they first appear to the end of your life. Dr. Mark J. Warner, DDS, owns Mark Warner DDS General Dentistry in Fairfield, California, and discusses here why it is so important for older people to maintain their teeth, even if they are false.
Many seniors have either medical conditions themselves that can cause dry mouth, or the medication they take to deal with their medical concerns can cause dry mouth. If they have a decrease in saliva flow in the mouth, we are more prone to plaque accumulation and decay subsequent to that.
Senior patients also tend to have more gum recession, which more often than not leads to more root surfaces of the tooth exposed. If that is combined with dry mouth and higher level of plaque, that root surface can decay quickly and progressively.
Dentures, Implants and Bridges
Other problems that older patients may have would concern the use of dentures, partial dentures, fixed or removable bridges and dental implants. I personally do not do a lot of dentures; it is sometimes something I might refer to another dentist it if is a full denture.
Tooth loss affects many older people, and replacing missing teeth is important to avoid jaw problems, for cosmetic reasons, and simply to help maintain a proper diet. I recommend that older people who lose a tooth see a professional as soon as possible about getting a replacement, in whatever form that may take.
Oral Health Important
The better oral health that a senior patient has ,the better off his overall health is going to be. If they take proper care of their teeth and have good strong teeth, then chances are that their diet will be better and they can eat better. That will affect their overall health, because as people lose teeth, their health declines traumatically.
It is estimated that 40% of the older population have lost some teeth, due to decay, trauma or general age-related incidents. People with limited mobility may have problems taking care of their teeth, and may require daily help to brush and keep them healthy. In some cases, an electric toothbrush may be all that is needed.
Keep in mind that root decay can also affect older people - it is actually not that uncommon. So if you or someone you know is getting older, it may be good to think about ways to improve your oral health.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
