IMPORTANCE OF GOOD ORAL HEALTH FOR OLDER ADULTS

Common Dental Issues for the Elderly

Some of the most common dental issues facing older adults are gum disease, tooth wear, dry mouth, and tooth loss leading to loss of chewing function. Age can also increase the risk of developing oral cancer which can progress quickly with no pain or other symptoms. These problems are not inevitable to aging and can be halted and treated with regular visits to the dentist.

Gum disease is often a painless disease, but some symptoms can include bleeding gums, bad breath, and loss of bone surrounding the teeth. The inflammatory process involved in gum disease has been linked to other systemic diseases like Diabetes, Cardiovascular Disease and Alzheimers. Gum disease can be treated and managed through regular visits to a dental professional. 

Dry Mouth can often increase in older adults due to medication side effects and some systemic diseases. Dry mouth occurs when either there is less saliva or the composition of the saliva changes. This can cause cavities to develop rapidly leading to tooth disease and loss. Those who wear dentures can find it difficult to keep the appliances in without adequate saliva. 

Years of tooth grinding or acid erosion from a disease like acid reflux can cause significant loss of tooth structure, leading to tooth loss, chewing problems, and alter your smile. Tooth loss is not inevitable. 

Regular dental visits can help prevent small problems like cavities from turning into larger issues that require more extensive procedures such as root canals or extractions. When tooth loss does occur, your dentist can discuss replacement options such as dental bridges, implants, or dentures. It is important to replace or fill the space when a tooth is lost as it can affect the surrounding teeth and the ability to chew and digest food. 

How Often Should You Go to the Dentist?

Another major issue is letting a seemingly small problem turn into something more serious. For example, if not treated soon enough, a cavity could turn into a root canal. There’s a significant difference in many aspects of the two procedures, including the healing time, cost, number of visits and how extensive the work is.

Schedule an appointment with RGC Dentistry for a checkup every 6 months, but even more often, depending on your specific oral health or if you’re in the process of getting work done. If you notice any changes in your mouth that don’t seem to have a specific cause, such as a new bump, teeth sensitivity, bad breath or dry mouth, you should schedule an appointment with us as soon as possible. Doing so can help prevent potential issues from getting more serious and costly.

Call RGC Dentistry Today

Contact RGC Dentistry today if your 6-month appointment is coming up, you know or suspect you need dental care or it’s been a while since your last checkup. We’ll be happy to talk with you about your options and our available services and offer advice about improving your oral health.

Common Dental Issues for the Elderly

Some of the most common dental issues facing older adults are gum disease, tooth wear, dry mouth, and tooth loss leading to loss of chewing function. Age can also increase the risk of developing oral cancer which can progress quickly with no pain or other symptoms. These problems are not inevitable to aging and can be halted and treated with regular visits to the dentist.

Gum disease is often a painless disease, but some symptoms can include bleeding gums, bad breath, and loss of bone surrounding the teeth. The inflammatory process involved in gum disease has been linked to other systemic diseases like Diabetes, Cardiovascular Disease and Alzheimers. Gum disease can be treated and managed through regular visits to a dental professional. 

Dry Mouth can often increase in older adults due to medication side effects and some systemic diseases. Dry mouth occurs when either there is less saliva or the composition of the saliva changes. This can cause cavities to develop rapidly leading to tooth disease and loss. Those who wear dentures can find it difficult to keep the appliances in without adequate saliva. 

Years of tooth grinding or acid erosion from a disease like acid reflux can cause significant loss of tooth structure, leading to tooth loss, chewing problems, and alter your smile. Tooth loss is not inevitable. 

Regular dental visits can help prevent small problems like cavities from turning into larger issues that require more extensive procedures such as root canals or extractions. When tooth loss does occur, your dentist can discuss replacement options such as dental bridges, implants, or dentures. It is important to replace or fill the space when a tooth is lost as it can affect the surrounding teeth and the ability to chew and digest food. 

Benefits of Preventive Dentistry

Dental problems, such as tooth decay, can lead to an infection or even tooth loss. Untreated gingivitis can lead to periodontitis which may also result in tooth loss and is linked to diseases such as Diabetes, Alzheimers and a life-threatening condition called endocarditis. You can avoid serious health problems by caring for your teeth. 

Good Oral Hygiene

Good oral hygiene, such as brushing and flossing at least twice a day, can prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Dental treatment can be expensive, so if you want to save money, we recommend caring for your teeth the right way. 

You can maintain good oral health with preventive dentistry. We recommend getting regular checkups; early detection may reduce the need for costly dental treatment. Talk to your doctor and dentist if you have other medical conditions, such as diabetes, to help you better maintain your oral health. 

Services Provided by RGC Dentistry

Visit us if you need help with your teeth. RGC Dentistry offers various dental services, including restorative treatment such as implants, dental sealants, fillings and bridges to restore damaged teeth. Please visit us today or call us to schedule an appointment. 

Treatment options for cavities include the following: 

• Dental fillings: One of the most common treatments involves removing the decayed portion of the tooth and filling the cavity with materials such as white-colored composite resin.
• Root canal: If the cavity reaches the inner pulp of the tooth and causes an infection, a root canal procedure may be necessary to remove the infected tissue and save the tooth.
• Dental crowns: In severe cases where a large portion of the tooth is affected, a dental crown may be placed to restore its structure and function.
  

It's best to prevent cavities from forming. Some prevention strategies include the following:

• Brushing: Brushing your teeth at least twice daily using fluoride toothpaste to remove plaque and bacteria effectively.
• Flossing: Clean between your teeth daily to remove plaque and food particles your toothbrush may miss.
• Healthy diet: Limit consumption of sugary foods and drinks, as they contribute to plaque formation and tooth decay.
• Regular dental checkups: Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and examinations to detect and treat cavities early on.
• Fluoride treatment: Ask your dentist about fluoride treatments to strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities.
• Saliva stimulation: Chewing sugar-free gum stimulates saliva production, which helps neutralize acids and remineralize teeth. 
  

Cavities are a prevalent oral health issue that can be prevented and treated effectively with proper dental care and hygiene. By being aware of the signs of cavities, practicing good oral hygiene habits and having regular dental checkups, you can maintain a healthy smile and prevent the progression of tooth decay. Prevention is key to maintaining optimal oral health and preserving your beautiful, permanent teeth.