Emergency Dentist: 4 Common Dental Problems Experienced By Seniors

Old age brings with it a number of health concerns due to aging. One such area that is affected is dental health. While dental problems can occur at any age, seniors are more prone to developing them as the years go by. Following good oral hygiene combined with professional dental care, prevents the occurrence of most of the common dental problems. But severe problems will require professional dental care for seniors. Here are a few oral issues commonly experienced by seniors. 
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• Tooth Decay

Plaque and bacteria are the two main culprits for tooth decay. Considering seniors have used their teeth much longer, this condition is sometimes unavoidable. Their teeth are exposed to plaque, bacteria and tartar over the years causing tooth decay. Moreover, if they have a poor dental history, they are highly prone to tooth decay. Tooth decay may range from a small cavity to tooth loss. A number of options are available to treat tooth decays. These include, bonding, crowns, veneers, etc to treat the decay and improve the dental appearance of your loved one. 

• Tooth Loss

 This is one of the most serious condition commonly experienced by seniors. Tooth loss can be attributed to a variety of reasons but is usually caused by extensive periodontal disease or tooth decay. Loss of teeth in seniors not only affects their facial appearance but also interferes with their routine functions like eating and speaking. Additionally, if left untreated, tooth loss can result in crowding and even jaw bone deterioration. Therefore, to avoid severe issues you must seek immediate dental care for seniors. Dentures, dental bridges, and dental implants help in treating as well as preventing further issues. 

• Dry Mouth

Another common condition experienced in old age is a dry mouth. Due to the aging of salivary glands, saliva production is reduced resulting in a dry mouth. While it might not be a serious issue, it is a bothersome one. Saliva is useful in washing off stuck up food particles and plaque that leads to bad breath and also tooth decay. Therefore, it is vital to prevent or treat it. The best way to combat a dry mouth is to drink plenty of water. If rinsing the mouth with water is helpful, ask your seniors to use lukewarm water, especially if their teeth are sensitive to cold temperatures. 

• Gum Disease

Because of physiological changes or prolonged exposure to bacteria, your seniors are prone to gum diseases. The condition can vary in severity depending on the individual. Seniors are more likely to lose their teeth due to gum disease hence it is best to do everything possible to prevent this from occurring. The best way is to practice strict oral hygiene. If your senior does suffer from gum disease, it is best to take professional help. Treatments to improve the health of gums and the soft tissue helps in combating gum disease. 
Knowledge of these common problems combined with dental care for seniors helps in preventing oral health issues. Everyone wishes to keep their natural teeth for as long as possible. But sometimes the aging process hinders that. Practicing good oral hygiene combined with regular dental checkups throughout life helps in preventing dental problems. 

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