Dental care for senior citizens at Palmer Distinctive Dentistry
Good oral health is important as you age. If you are a senior citizen, watch this video as Dr. Adams from Palmer Distinctive Dentistry explains how important is dental care for seniors.
Transcript
Hi everyone, I am Dr. Adams from Palmer Distinctive Dentistry and today I will talk about Dental Care for Seniors. As we age, we are at risk for many oral health problems such as root decay, dry mouth, tooth loss, diminished sense of taste, and much more.
The five most common dental problems for seniors are:
Number 1 - Root decay. Roots of the teeth are generally concealed by gum tissue. They do not have a protective coat of enamel like the crowns of the teeth. So, when the roots are exposed, they tend to decay rapidly. Root decay becomes a concern when the gum tissue recedes.
Number 2 – Dry mouth. Several medications can cause reduced saliva production. Certain diseases can also result in a chronic dry mouth. Radiation treatment applied to the head, neck or throat, to fight cancer or other serious illnesses may also reduce the flow of saliva in the mouth.
Number 3 - Diminished sense of taste. As people age, their senses become impaired, including their sense of taste. Other factors such as dentures, diseases, and medications can also reduce the ability to distinguish between subtle flavors.
Number 4 - Tooth loss. Tooth loss is a widespread condition in senior citizens. Gum disease is the primary cause of this. Losing teeth can affect your bite and alter your eating habits, keeping you from getting the nutrition you need to stay healthy.
And number 5 - Darkened teeth. A lifetime of foods and beverages can leave teeth stained, yellowed or even brown. This discoloration also appears when the enamel layer wears thin, revealing the dentine underneath. The dentine itself can change later in life that makes it appear darker.
Maintaining good oral health is essential for all individuals regardless of age, and they need to brush at least twice a day, floss at least once a day, and rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash once or twice a day. Visit your dentist on a regular schedule for cleaning and an oral exam.
If you would like to know more, please call us at (864) 879-6494 .
Hi everyone, I am Dr. Adams from Palmer Distinctive Dentistry and today I will talk about Dental Care for Seniors. As we age, we are at risk for many oral health problems such as root decay, dry mouth, tooth loss, diminished sense of taste, and much more.
The five most common dental problems for seniors are:
Number 1 - Root decay. Roots of the teeth are generally concealed by gum tissue. They do not have a protective coat of enamel like the crowns of the teeth. So, when the roots are exposed, they tend to decay rapidly. Root decay becomes a concern when the gum tissue recedes.
Number 2 – Dry mouth. Several medications can cause reduced saliva production. Certain diseases can also result in a chronic dry mouth. Radiation treatment applied to the head, neck or throat, to fight cancer or other serious illnesses may also reduce the flow of saliva in the mouth.
Number 3 - Diminished sense of taste. As people age, their senses become impaired, including their sense of taste. Other factors such as dentures, diseases, and medications can also reduce the ability to distinguish between subtle flavors.
Number 4 - Tooth loss. Tooth loss is a widespread condition in senior citizens. Gum disease is the primary cause of this. Losing teeth can affect your bite and alter your eating habits, keeping you from getting the nutrition you need to stay healthy.
And number 5 - Darkened teeth. A lifetime of foods and beverages can leave teeth stained, yellowed or even brown. This discoloration also appears when the enamel layer wears thin, revealing the dentine underneath. The dentine itself can change later in life that makes it appear darker.
Maintaining good oral health is essential for all individuals regardless of age, and they need to brush at least twice a day, floss at least once a day, and rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash once or twice a day. Visit your dentist on a regular schedule for cleaning and an oral exam.
If you would like to know more, please call us at (864) 879-6494 .
