Maintaining your oral health is as important as maintaining your overall health, especially when you age. Aging comes along with a lot of oral health issues. If oral health issues are neglected, then it may cause serious health complications such as heart disease, diabetes, or stroke. So, it is crucial for you to know what are the common oral health problems experienced by elders. Here are some of the typical oral health problems to pay attention to to maintain good dental health.
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Saliva helps in protecting the mouth from bacteria but having a dry mouth can increase the risk of many dental issues. Dry mouth is a common oral health problem among seniors. It is a part of the aging process as the seniors produce less saliva. Also, intake of certain medicines or result of some medical treatment can also result in dry mouth. Medicines for depression, anxiety, cholesterol and high blood pressure and medical treatments like chemotherapy can lead to a dry mouth. Due to the inability to keep the mouth moist, older people face problems while eating, chewing, swallowing or talking.
As the roots of the teeth become weak and the gum starts receding, teeth begin to uproot. As a result, to resume the regular eating routine, seniors are recommended to use dentures. With time the dentures become weak, loose, and feel uncomfortable. This wear and tear of dentures causes the wearer to feel conscious as they may fall out while speaking or eating. The inconvenience of dentures leads to poor nutrition among seniors that may give rise to other health problems.
Due to receding gums, the root of the tooth is exposed to the food and fluids that give rise to teeth sensitivity. As the roots do not have tooth enamel to protect it from damage, teeth become prone to infections. This dental condition leads to many serious problems or the tooth needs to be removed if need be. So, to ensure your teeth are in good health, regular appointments with a dentist is necessary.
Teeth darkening is caused due to changes in dentin which is a bone-like tissue that lies under the tooth enamel. The changes in the dentin are caused due to overconsumption of food and beverages that cause teeth staining. Read our blog about food that causes teeth staining to ensure your diet includes in limited quantity such foods.
The primary cause of gum diseases is improper oral cleaning. Failing to maintain proper oral hygiene does not clear away food stuck on the surface of your teeth. Food particles stuck to teeth causes plaque build up, which causes bacteria to build up and results in gum diseases.
As the body ages, it becomes prone to many oral health complications that should not be neglected. Not paying proper attention towards your oral health may increase the severity of the dental issue, therefore, it is imperative to show up for regular dental examination to keep oral health complications at bay.