Dental Care Tips for Seniors
Dental care is essential for everyone but becomes even more critical as we age. As seniors are more likely to take medications and have underlying chronic illnesses, they are vulnerable to a variety of oral health problems. Common issues elderly patients come to visit dentists Parramatta for may include:
- Dry mouth
- Gum disease
- Tooth decay
- Bone loss
- Poor-fitting dentures
With age, saliva production reduces and leaves seniors with a dry mouth. Since saliva is important for washing away bacteria from food debris and protecting the enamel layer of the teeth, a dry mouth is more vulnerable to tooth decay and especially gum disease – quite possibly one of the biggest dental problems among our elderly patients. This condition, also called periodontal disease, is caused by bacteria in dental plaque and is one of the most common causes of receding bone density in the jaw. Without preventative dental care, periodontal disease can eventually lead to tooth loss.
Dental Care and Dementia
Looking after teeth properly can be especially difficult for seniors with dementia, who may not be able to maintain their own dental hygiene anymore and struggle with a dry mouth due to medications. Establishing a proper daily oral care routine early on and ensuring regular dental examinations at Parramatta dentists are crucial to avoid extensive and complicated procedures in the late stages of the disease.
Schedule an Appointment Today
At Parramatta Dental Avenue, we understand that every elderly patient needs to be evaluated individually for potential co-existing medical problems when planning dental care. We offer a wide range of treatments to maintain oral health for seniors in a trusting and comfortable environment. Our friendly team is trained in building trust through effective communication with dementia patients and their caregivers and ensures treatment is delivered as quickly as possible. Schedule an appointment online or call Parramatta Dental Avenue at 1300 315 540 to receive specialised dental care.
Dental Care for Seniors
While dental care for seniors is the same as for any adult, like brushing after every meal or at least twice a day, flossing daily and using antiseptic mouthwash, dentists Parramatta recommend scheduling routine check-ups every six months to monitor the patient’s oral health and diagnose possible dental diseases early. In between, appointments should be made promptly if the senior experiences pain or sudden changes in taste or smell to rule out more serious dental health issues.
Caring for Dentures
Patients wearing dentures are at a higher risk of infections if they do not adequately clean and care for their artificial set of teeth. Their proper daily oral care routine should include the following steps to avoid bad breath, gum disease and damage to the dentures:
- Rinsing the denture with water after meals to remove food debris
- Using mouthwash after meals to remove food particles
- Brushing dentures daily with a soft toothbrush and toothpaste
- Soak dentures overnight to clean and give your gums a rest
Taking care of dentures is as crucial as regular dental appointments to check if they still fit properly, especially when the wearer uses adhesives to keep them in place. If adhesives are worn over a long time span, they may be ill-fitting and need to be relined or even replaced by Parramatta dentists to prevent sores from developing.
Whether a dry mouth is the result of prescribed medications or simply advanced age, regular drinks of water not only help seniors stay hydrated but also lubricate their mouth and stimulate saliva production. Another way to encourage saliva flow and keep bacteria in the mouth balanced and enamel protected is sucking on a sugar-free peppermint.
Restorative Treatments
In addition to preventative oral hygiene, there may be times when restorative dental care is needed. The most common procedures elderly dental patients undergo are fillings, crowns and bridges, root canal treatments, implants and partial or a full set of dentures, all helping to replace lost tooth structure. Some individuals may benefit from a combination of these treatments to maintain good dental health way into their later years.
Specialised Dentists Parramatta
For seniors seeking reputable Parramatta dentists who understand the unique dental needs to maintain a healthy smile throughout their senior years, look no further than Dental Avenue Parramatta.
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