5 Biggest Oral Problems For Seniors

Looking after your teeth as you get older is very important, especially if you want to avoid problems such as tooth loss and gum disease. From dental cleanings to veneers, our holistic dentists can help you maintain a healthy and beautiful smile as you age. 

As you grow older, maintaining good oral health care is crucial to ensure overall health and taking regular care of your teeth and gums can help offset a host of problems.

Some of the reasons why it’s so important for senior patients to practice good dental care include:

• oral infections can lead to serious problems such as pneumonia, gum disease, and heart disease, which can be deadly
• poor dental health has been linked to a higher risk of disease
• taking care of your mouth and teeth can prevent dry mouth
• regularly brushing and flossing will reduce your risk of developing painful gum disease

Affordable and Quality Dental Cleanings, Veneers, and Implants in Calgary

At Dr. Korol Dental, our team is qualified to provide comprehensive services to patients of all ages. From dental cleanings to veneers and tooth implants, we have all you need to keep your smile healthy and beautiful as you age.

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5 Biggest Oral Problems For Seniors

Many health conditions are closely related to poor dental care, which is why maintaining a strict oral care regimen is crucial as you get older to lower your risk of developing certain illnesses.

Some of the most common conditions linked to poor oral health include:

1. High blood pressure. If there is an infection present anywhere in your body, including your mouth, this can cause hypertension. It’s important to talk to your doctor and dentist about how to get your blood pressure back to normal and clear up the infection for a healthier body and mouth.
    
2. Oral cancer. Your risk of oral cancer increases as you age, and it’s very often linked to smoking and heavy alcohol use. The survival rate of oral cancer is good with early detection, which is why it’s important to schedule regular visits to your dentist.
    
3. Heart disease. What many elderly patients are unaware of is that an infection in the mouth can travel to the inner lining of the heart. Although this condition, known as endocarditis, can be treated with antibiotics, it can put a strain on your heart and increase your risk of developing heart disease.
    
4. Dry mouth. Many senior patients take medications that can cause dry mouth which, if left untreated, can lead to gum disease and tooth decay. In addition, because dry mouth makes it difficult to eat, you can also struggle to keep a healthy and balanced diet.
    
5. Pneumonia. When you have an oral infection, the food and bacteria can travel to your lungs and cause an infection, known as pneumonia. If this is not treated early, it can be deadly.

6 Simple & Easy Tips For Senior Oral Care

While your health and teeth may become increasingly fragile as you age, don’t worry! There are many things you can do to take care of your body and mouth to keep yourself active, energized, and healthy, as you grow older.

Here are some simple and easy oral care tips for older adults:

1. Visit your dentist regularly. Even if you have replacement teeth, getting your gums and your whole mouth checked is very important.
2. Brush and floss your teeth twice a day. Remember, cleaning between your teeth ensures you’ll have healthy gums and teeth.
3. Don’t smoke and limit your alcohol intake.
4. Consider getting regular teeth cleanings.
5. Monitor your sugar intake and try to limit any starch-filled snacks. ALWAYS brush after eating a snack or meal.
6. If applicable, practice proper denture care.

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To find out more about our comprehensive and holistic senior dentistry services including veneers and teeth cleanings, contact our Calgary dental clinic at 403-245-9099 or book an appointment.