Dental Tips | Bonaventure Senior Living

Bonaventure Senior Living Oral Health Care Tips.  There are a lot of changes to our bodies as we get into our senior years and that includes our teeth.  Advancing age can put many senior citizens at risk for a number of oral health problems, but there are steps that can be taken to improve a senior’s dental outlook.  Old age alone does not cause poor dental health, but certain medical conditions, such as arthritis can set up situations that do lead to dental decay.  People with arthritis, for example, may find brushing and flossing difficult.  Other seniors may be taking medication that changes the healthy balance of the mouth, leading to a host of dental issues.

Daily brushing and flossing is the key to good dental health no  matter what your age is.  People who reside in senior communities and assisted living facilities may find that oral hygiene is somewhat neglected, leading to the buildup of plaque, tooth decay and gum disease.  Using fluoride toothpaste at least two times per day can help avoid these issues and can even eliminate them altogether. Brushing twice daily can be difficult for seniors who have arthritis, tremors or the after effects of a stroke. Help should be enlisted if necessary to maintain the oral health of the senior citizen.

Seniors are prone to some dental health issues like darkened teeth, dry mouth, gum disease, root decay and tooth loss. Stains and discolorations of the teeth may be caused by changed in the dentin as well as the effects of a lifetime of consuming foods and beverages that stain the teeth.  But most of the changes to the dental health of the elderly are simply normal changes associated with aging like a reduced sense of taste and a reduction in saliva production.  Cancer treatments like radiation and chemotherapy can trigger the condition known as thrush, which is an overgrowth of fungus in the mouth.

Basically, as we age, gum tissue recedes and decays, causing the roots of the teeth to be exposed to acids that cause tooth decay.  This, combined with other natural effect of aging, medical conditions and medications can speed up tooth decay and loss. Seniors should stick to the plan to visit their dentist at least twice per year for cleanings and checkups. This dental intervention can make all the difference in the world in preserving the beautiful smiles of our senior citizen long into their senior years.  Bonaventure Senior Living.