Factors That Can Affect the Oral Health of the Elderly

Your oral health is your priority the same way you want to make sure your entire well-being remains in excellent condition at all times. As you grow older, you may start to notice changes in your teeth and gums, and failing to brush and floss your teeth regularly and visit the dentist every few months could put you at risk.

When it comes to the elderly, they are in bigger danger of facing dental concerns, which could sometimes require an emergency dentist’s help to address. While those that live in Canada can benefit from free healthcare for most medical issues, dental care may not be part of it.

Seniors must take good care of their teeth because having a healthy set of teeth helps them eat and speak normally despite their age. Keep reading below to find out the common issues your older loved ones can undergo that could impact their oral health.

Having a Constant Dry Mouth

For the elderly, taking medicine isn’t new to them, especially if they have an array of health conditions they need to manage with prescribed medication from their doctor. However, one of the common side effects of taking drugs is dryness of the mouth.

Unfortunately, having a dry mouth could attract several complications, including becoming susceptible to cavities and gum disease. Since there isn’t enough saliva present when your mouth is dry, bacteria can make their way into your mouth and potentially lead to tooth decay.

While seniors cannot quit taking their medication, they can focus on good oral hygiene by remembering to brush and floss their teeth and visiting a walk-in dental clinic for bi-annual checkups. Maintaining healthy teeth and gums minimizes the chances of facing viruses and germs.

Experiencing Poor Nutrition

The elderly can become prone to experiencing oral concerns because their teeth and gums can be more fragile due to their age. As a result, they end up choosing soft food because it’s easier to chew and swallow.

Due to their situation, they skip the proper kinds of food and fail to receive the right nutrients, leading to gum disease and cavities. Instead of having a well-balanced diet, seniors often stick to sugary and starchy food with higher chances of getting stuck between their teeth.

Moreover, those that love drinking coffee, alcohol, and soft drinks are at risk of negatively impacting their oral health. If you wish for your loved one to maintain good oral health, you could guide them about the major food groups, which involves consuming a balance of whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and lean protein.

Facing Chronic Health Problems

Along with oral concerns, the elderly can face recurring health problems too, such as heart disease, diabetes, and various respiratory problems. Unfortunately, the different illnesses can be linked to the situation of their dental health in the long run.

If a senior is facing diabetes, they could develop gum disease, which prevents their body from acquiring insulin to control their symptoms and get better faster. On the other hand, if they’re experiencing a heart condition, the elderly must consume wholesome food instead of soft, starchy, and fatty food to prevent severe oral problems. 

Conclusion

If you wish to look after your elder loved ones in your ways, you may want to focus on taking care of their health conditions, including their oral health. Seniors experiencing a constant dry mouth, poor nutrition, and chronic illnesses should also be more aware of their dental hygiene to keep them from having worse health concerns. For those who require immediate help, it’s best to reach out to a 24-hour dentist for assistance.

Are you looking for a dentist near you in Edmonton for your loved one? 24/7 Emergency Dental Clinic specializes in a wide array of dental services, such as teeth whitening, dental implants, full mouth rehabilitation, and more. Get in touch with us today to book an appointment!