7 Oral Health Concerns More Common in Old Age

1. 7 Oral Health Concerns More Common in Old Age Oral health is important for patients of all ages, but there are many problems that become more occurring in older patients. Old age adults are more likely to experience trouble with tooth loss, denture care, discoloration, and gum disease. Poor oral health may cause issues like heart disease, diabetes, stroke or pneumonia. Keeping your older adult’s teeth and oral health can be challenging because aging and health conditions can make them more exposed to dental problems. Wisdom may come with age, but so does a horde of problems associated with aging teeth and gums. Here are the 7 most common oral health issues among oldies-

2. 1.Dry mouth or Xerostomia- On average, your body should produce more than a quart-and-a-half of saliva each day which helps break down food, wash away bacteria, prevent tooth decay, and protect against bad breath. If your mouth is too dry, you may experience numerous problems, from minor discomfort to major problems with cavities. Dry mouth, which is also known as xerostomia, is caused by many medications that seniors take. Since roughly 90 percent of people over the age of 65 are on some type of medication, dry mouth is usually common in this age group. Infections, hormone changes, allergies, and blocked nasal passages can all cause dry mouth as well. 2.Bad Breath Oldies often struggle with bad breath, which can make situations uncomfortable. It’s important to understand that bad breath, not just a symptom that stands on its own. There’s an underlying cause that you need to address, which can help you eradicate this issue. Dry mouth and periodontal disease can both contribute to bad breath. Poor dental hygiene is another cause. You should see your dentist at least twice a year, and brush and floss daily to keep your teeth clean. If you have dentures, make sure you’re as cautious about cleaning them as you would be about real teeth. Plaque can build upon both dentures and teeth, and this is a major cause of unpleasant breath.

3. 3.Tooth Loss Tooth loss is the most common problem among seniors. On average, patients over the age of 65 have 18.9 teeth remaining. Over 27 percent of seniors have lost most of their teeth. Smoking and poor dental hygiene are a major cause of tooth loss in this age group. See your dentist regularly to decrease your chances of losing teeth. If you do lose a tooth, visit your dentist as soon as possible to explore options that will help conserve your ability to eat, talk, and smile comfortably, such as a tooth implant. 4.Cavities Over time, it becomes easier for cavities to develop in your teeth. This puts seniors at a risk. Consuming sugary foods will increase your chances of getting cavities. You can help prevent them by reducing sugary drinks and foods, and brushing and flossing your teeth daily. Using an antiseptic mouth rinse will help protect your teeth from cavities. 5.Gum Disease Gum disease is a common issue in the aging population. This can take several years to develop, so older citizens are more likely to experience problems with gum disease than young people. The best way to prevent gum disease is to perform good oral hygiene. So visit your dentist regularly so you can catch developing gum disease early before gingivitis develops into periodontitis.

4. 6.Tooth Discoloration A slight darkening of the teeth is naturally occurred due to aging. While proper dental care may help prevent this, some discoloration may be inevitable. Avoid tobacco products, coffee, soda, and other beverages to help keep your teeth as white as possible. If you’re not happy with the color of your teeth, you may want to talk to your dentist about cosmetic treatments that can help. Tooth whitening services or permanent dental veneers can help you achieve the look you want. 7.Poor Denture Care Some people fall to the myth that dentures are not as delicate as regular teeth. In fact, your dentures require just as much care as real teeth would. You should brush and clean them regularly in order to avoid damage and discoloration. Plaque can occur upon dentures as it would on any other tooth, and this may irritate your gum tissue and may cause gum disease and other problems. Remove your dentures after every meal and wash them off to get rid of food particles. Brush your dentures each evening and place them in a cleaning solution to soak so that it won't decolorate. Brush your gums gently with a soft-bristle brush to keep them clean and healthy.

5. As you age, it’s essential to keep these potential risks in mind. Getting older may increase some risk factors, but you can still enjoy a bright and healthy smile with proper care and help from your dentist. Nanda Dental Care will help you find the right one to keep your smile shining at any age. Nanda Dental Care is the best dentist in Pune providing a variety of dental treatment at an affordable cost. Our braces, root canal, dental implants cost in Pune is the most affordable dental treatment with a top-notch range of equipment.