As we age, we may encounter many changes to our bodies. Many of them we can regard as quirks and accept them with grace, but when it comes to changes in our mouths, it’s important to remember that any new developments can be a sign of an underlying condition that may require prompt medical or dental intervention. Being alert to your oral health can help prevent lasting adverse side-effects as we get older.Taking Care of Your Mouth as a Senior
Advanced age is associated with its own unique problems for oral health. Seniors should be mindful of any of these following complications that can arise:
| • | Dry Mouth:Seniors may take certain medications that can cause dry mouth, or “xerostomia”. Saliva acts as a protective lubricant for teeth, and when your mouth does not produce enough, your teeth are at increased risk for cavities. Sip water throughout the day, avoid caffeine, and suck on sugar-free hard candies to help minimize problems that can occur from dry mouth. |
| • | Denture Fitting Problems: Over 27% of seniors over the age of 65 have no remaining teeth, and poorly fitting dentures can cause sores and abrasions in the mouth. Be sure that your dentures are fitting properly to avoid infected gums. We can assist with any denture fit issues that you may have, so please call our office for a consultation on how to improve the fit of your dentures. |
| • | Gum Disease: Just because you may not have teeth does not mean you’re not at risk for gum disease. Keep your mouth clean even when you do not have teeth, and you can help prevent your risk of a stroke, heart attacks, and diabetes (all of which are linked to periodontal disease). Soak your dentures nightly and rinse your mouth out with an antimicrobial mouthwash daily to help ward off periodontal disease. |
Tooth loss and gum disease does not have to be another inevitable symptom of aging. By staying on top of regular dental exams, you can help prevent unwanted issues from arising due to your diet, lifestyle, or medication. If you’re a senior and you have questions about how to take care of your oral health, please give our office a call to schedule a comprehensive dental exam.
Our skilled and professional dental staff can give your mouth a thorough assessment and help take care of your smile – no matter your age!
