As time goes on and teeth are exposed to age and use, seniors will most likely experience at least a few dental problems over the years. While most oral health complications can easily be taken care of with restorative dental services, you want to be sure that you catch those issues as quickly as possible. Here is a quick look at four common dental problems that many seniors struggle with and some steps that can be taken to treat them.
According to the CDC, 68 percent of all adults over the age of 65 have some form of gum disease. This pervasive condition is usually the result of poor oral hygiene, though other conditions like a vitamin deficiency or dry mouth can make someone much more prone to it. However it happens, gum disease can lead to a wide variety of secondary complications including periodontitis and tooth loss. Luckily, most forms of tooth decay can be reversed with professional treatments such as root planting and prescription antibiotics, and gum loss can be remedied with a graft, but it is much easier and much less painful to catch these things early before they escalate.
This is another extremely common health problem that can usually be avoided with good hygiene habits, though is also influenced by issues like dry mouth. When germs aren’t regularly removed from the mouth, they will cling to an individual’s teeth and begin stripping away the outer layers of dentin. Once the germs make their way to the interior of a tooth, a root canal will be necessary. In its earliest stages, tooth decay can usually be treated with fillings or dental bonding, and sometimes even repaired with remineralization techniques.
In addition to being an unsightly problem, tooth loss also increases a senior’s risk of many secondary health complications. That includes periodontal disease, bone loss, and facial deformations. For those who have lost a full set of teeth, all on 4 dental implants are an excellent treatment option. During this procedure, the orthodontist anchors four dental implants into the patient’s jaw. They will then use those implants as a sturdy platform for dentures or bridges. If your jaw isn’t suffering from any structural issues, then you can even potentially replace all of the lost teeth with implants.
When it comes to oral cancer, it is important to remember that early detection saves lives. Some of the most common signs and symptoms of oral cancer include loose teeth, lumps inside the mouth, difficulty swallowing, patches of red tissue, and mouth sores that won’t heal. If you have recently noticed any of those symptoms, then you must schedule an immediate appointment with your dentist. Your dentist can inspect your mouth and send you to a specialist for further testing. Oral cancer is much easier to remove in its early stages, and getting it taken care of immediately can be life saving.
Restorative dental treatments are more effective than ever, but the vast majority of oral health complications can be avoided with the proper hygiene habits. That includes brushing multiple times a day, flossing as often as possible, regularly using mouthwash, and visiting an experienced dentist at least once a year. However, when issues do arise, it often takes more than just the regular maintenance to fix them. All dental issues are cheaper and easier to care for when taken care of early on, so it’s important never to dismiss a problem when you discover it.
Meghan Belnap is a freelance writer who enjoys spending time with her family. She loves being in the outdoors and exploring new opportunities whenever they arise. Meghan finds happiness in researching new topics that help to expand her horizons. You can often find her buried in a good book or out looking for an adventure.