APRIL IS ORAL CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
Common Dental Challenges Aging Adults Face
While people of all ages are at risk of dental issues like cavities, there are several conditions that seniors are more susceptible to. Common dental challenges people face while aging includes:
Dry Mouth
A condition in which the mouth doesn’t produce enough saliva, dry mouth affects the acid levels in the mouth. This can affect swallowing, digestion, and the teeth and gums negatively. Seniors are especially prone to this condition, especially if their medications list dry mouth as a possible side effect.
Root and Coronal Caries
The decay of the teeth, basic dental caries are often just called cavities. The decay can affect the roots of the tooth and the jawbone as well. Caries can be caused by poor oral hygiene, a poor diet, dry mouth, and more.
Periodontitis
Periodontitis is a gum infection and can cause inflammation and pain. It is often caused by poor oral hygiene or a buildup of bacteria in the mouth.
Best Tips for Managing Senior Oral Care
Most dental health problems seniors face are preventable with the right care. Unfortunately, there are many reasons that seniors do not maintain their oral health effectively. Common causes of poor oral hygiene among seniors include:
- Decreased mobility
- Impaired memory
- Side effects of medication
- Medical conditions that affect oral health
The best way to protect seniors’ dental health is to help them manage their oral care. Caregivers can help in various ways. Caregivers might:
- Help with brushing or flossing
- Set reminders to brush or floss
- Encourage seniors to use mouthwash
- Schedule regular dental cleanings
- Offer transportation to the dentist
- Urge seniors to talk to their doctor if medications are causing dry mouth
Simple strategies like these can help seniors avoid dental health problems. This can enable seniors to keep their natural teeth longer and to enjoy regular diets instead of having to switch to soft food due to tooth decay.
