Dental care

Dental care for senior citizens:

Geriatric dentistry, adult tooth loss is often a result of oral disease neglected in young age,and not necessarily due to the aging process.

Diseases of the gums are common and elders are unaware of these changes as there is no pain. Gums recede exposing the roots.

Root caries are about four times higher in elders, probably because of more root surface being exposed. Dental decay is not self limiting and destroys the tooth unless treated.

Symptoms like reduced salivation causing dryness to the mouth, called Xerostomia, and loss of taste are also experienced as a result of aging.

Dentures are never 100 percent satisfactory.

The Right dental regime:

Brush twice a day; floss and go for regular dental visits.

To avoid harmful acids that cause teeth decay use fluoride toothpastes. Limit your intake of sugary snacks.

Inform your dentist of any changes in your medical history to help prevent potentially harmful drug interactions.

Diseases of gums and root caries require services of respective specialities. As an alternative to complete or partial dentures, implants are highly recommended.