Senior Dental Health: Comprehensive Care for Older Adults in Lansing, Michigan
Today, Americans are not only living longer, but we are also retaining our natural teeth longer than ever before. This is wonderful news, but it requires diligent care. As we age, older adults may require increasingly complex dental treatments, can be more prone to contracting certain oral diseases, and sometimes find it challenging to keep up with daily oral hygiene practices.
Maintaining good oral health is critically important as we age. Problems in the mouth can cause difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking, and smiling—basic functions that affect both physical and social well-being. Furthermore, medications prescribed for other conditions can negatively affect oral health, and a decline in oral health can worsen existing maladies (such as diabetes) or even contribute to systemic (whole-body) inflammation. The professional team at Schaefer Dental Group, your trusted dentist in Lansing, Michigan, is prepared to help you navigate these specific challenges.
Specific Dental Concerns for Older Adults
Cavities (Dental Caries)
If you think cavities are just for kids, think again. A recent study found that nearly one-third of people over 65 had untreated dental caries. In older people, these are found not only in the crown (chewing surface) of the tooth but also in the root, which may become exposed due to gum recession. Regular dental checkups at Schaefer Dental Group are the best way to find and treat dental caries. Left untreated, they can cause pain, require more complex procedures, and eventually lead to lost teeth.
Gum Disease (Periodontal Disease)
Gum disease is a major oral health issue and is presently the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. The disease is caused by plaque bacteria, which thrive on the sticky biofilm that clings to the surface of teeth when they aren’t properly cleaned. Poor-fitting dentures can make the problem worse, as can the presence of certain systemic diseases (such as diabetes or cancer).
Sometimes, decreased mobility (due to arthritis or similar conditions) makes routine brushing and flossing more difficult. Special brushes with larger grips and floss holders can help make daily cleaning easier; additionally, therapeutic mouthrinses may be prescribed. In-office treatments at our Lansing, Michigan dental practice can also be effective in bringing gum disease under control.
Oral Cancer
Oral cancer is a concern at any age, but it is 7 times more likely to show up in a person over 65, and it causes more deaths in older Americans than skin cancer does. Early detection offers the best chance at controlling the disease and improves survival rates significantly. A thorough screening for oral cancer should be a part of every older person’s routine dental checkup at Schaefer Dental Group.
Dry Mouth (Xerostomia)
Dry mouth (xerostomia) isn’t just an annoyance—it can be harmful to your oral health. Aside from its lubricating qualities, saliva contains beneficial digestive enzymes, acid neutralizers, and bacteria-fighting agents. A number of factors may cause the body to produce less saliva than normal, but in older adults, this problem is often due to side effects from prescription or over-the-counter medications. If you’re experiencing chronic dryness of the mouth, we can discuss potential medication changes with your physician and recommend products designed to relieve these symptoms.
Oral Hygiene for a Lifetime of Smiles
It was once commonly believed that dental problems and the loss of teeth were an inevitable consequence of aging. But here’s the fact: Age itself is not a risk factor for tooth loss; properly cared for, your teeth can last a lifetime. However, it’s true that the mouth does change as you age.
How can you give yourself the best chance of keeping your natural teeth? You guessed it: Maintain a regular practice of good oral hygiene!
- Brush twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush — consider one with a special grip or an electric brush if it helps.
- Clean in between your teeth with floss, or another type of interdental cleaner, at least once a day.
- If you wear dentures, regularly clean and care for them as instructed by your dentist.
- Eat healthy foods and drink plenty of water.
And don’t forget to schedule regular dental exams at Schaefer Dental Group in Lansing, Michigan so that little problems don’t turn into major headaches!