As people age, one prevalent mistake they make is ignoring their oral health. If you feel we are just making up this statement, ask your grandparents about their dental care habits. You will often get the answer that dental health is overlooked amidst other health concerns. However, is this the right thing to do?
Aging is an inevitable part of life. However, seniors can do many things for dental care. This blog explores the typical dental issues experienced by senior citizens and presents innovative solutions, such as dental treatment at home for those who face challenges in accessing dental clinics.
5 Common Dental health issues faced by senior citizens
We have listed five common dental health problems aging people face. The great news is that all these diseases are preventable and treatable by at-home dental surgeon visits.
- Dry Mouth – Dry Mouth is almost synonymous with old age. Several chronic diseases and medication for hypertension, diabetes, lung issues, and several other meds can deprive saliva production in the mouth. This creates a dry mouth. Without adequate saliva, the probability of dental decay and infections is high.
- Teeth discoloration – You must have often seen seniors with discolored teeth. Some causes of tooth discoloration, like aging, trauma, or any chronic disease, are unavoidable. Other causes include tobacco use, dental trauma, and poor choice of foods or drinks. Simple teeth cleaning at home can effectively prevent this issue from worsening.
- Tooth Loss – Have you ever noticed how common it is for senior citizens to have lost teeth? The probability of this occurrence is remarkably high. This happens because of aging and other systemic age-related diseases such as diabetes, blood pressure, and thyroid.
- Generalized attrition of teeth – Dental attrition is the loss of tooth structure by tooth-to-tooth contact. Although this type of tooth wear is considered a general part of the normal aging process, more rapid dental attrition can lead to wearing off the enamel, leading to further dental issues.
- Gum diseases – Plaque buildup and the use of medications for chronic medical conditions can lead to gum diseases in seniors. Common symptoms of gum disease are persistent bad breath and receding gum that bleeds easily. However, proper oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups at home are essential in managing and preventing these issues.
Oral health and other age-related diseases
Tooth loss can result in problems with chewing, leading to nutritional deficiencies.
Also, bacteria buildup due to poor hygiene can lead to plaques in the brain, which have been associated with dementia. Periodontitis has also been linked to heart disease, diabetes, and even Alzheimer’s disease.
Managing dental care for seniors with at-home dental care
The management of seniors requires an understanding of the medical aspects of aging along with the unique needs of seniors, such as cognitive issues, mobility issues, and sensory function, to name a few.
Further, we will explore the benefits of innovative home dental care for seniors and why it is a practical yet effective choice for dental care for aging parents and grandparents.
Here are the main reasons you should choose a visit from a dental surgeon at home for seniors
- Convenient
One of the significant aspects of ignoring dental health to seniors is making them reach the clinic, especially for seniors with mobility issues. Home dental care eliminates the need for stressful journeys, allowing seniors to receive essential dental services in their homes’ familiar and comfortable surroundings.
- Comprehensive care
It might be surprising, but there are at-home dental surgeons who can provide a wide range of services right in the comfort of your home. This includes services such as tooth replacement, deep cleaning, tooth removal and replacement, dental implants, and emergency dentistry, all delivered at home, without the need to visit a traditional dental clinic.
- Personal attention
Dentistry at home offers a better focus on the individual needs of senior patients. This one-on-one attention ensures that the specific concerns and needs of old patients are addressed effectively. Dentists visiting home often also give personal advice to senior citizens to address common oral hygiene issues effectively. This ensures effective dental health even with age.
To know more about the benefits of innovative home dental care for your aging parents and grandparents, read our blog: Benefits of at-home dental care.
Curious about Denta at Home Service? We offer well-trained dental professionals who are well aware of the unique needs of the elderly population. We offer services ranging from dental whitening treatment to RCT treatment at home.
Connect with us to discover how we can cater to all the dental needs of your loved one.
