08 Oct Common Oral Health Concerns For Seniors
As we get older, some things about our oral health may change, while others definitely stay the same. To take the best care of your smile as you age, it’s important to be able to separate fact from fiction and work with a trustworthy and skilled dentist.
There are special circumstances that can affect your oral health when you age, so you will need to take care to address these specific challenges.
Myths About Elderly Oral Health
Some older adults may be jeopardizing their oral health by buying into many of the prevalent myths out there, such as:
- Gum disease and tooth loss are inevitable as you age. They’re preventable conditions.
- You don’t need to see the dentist as often as you get older. You still need to come to our office every six months for checkups and cleanings.
- Older adults typically can’t get dental insurance. There are actually a number of options for dental insurance for older adults, including policies that can be purchased directly and some coverage under Medicare Advantage plans.
- Oral health is separate from overall health. Oral health is truly integral to your general well-being and linked to several systemic conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease.
Important Oral Health Considerations for Seniors
Although seniors should continue to see their dentist with the same frequency that they always have, there are some oral health considerations that may be unique to this population, including:
- Taking more medications increases your risk of dry mouth, which may mean that less saliva is available to clear away oral bacteria.
- Some medical conditions, such as arthritis or dementia, can make it more difficult to perform basic oral hygiene tasks.
- Older adults may face greater risks for certain oral diseases: While tooth loss is not a foregone conclusion for seniors, it’s important to recognize that this population does face a higher risk of oral diseases, such as gum disease and oral cancer. Screening and early intervention are tremendously important to protect your oral health.
- Older adults may have limited options for dental insurance. Coverage may not be as complete as plans that are obtained through an employer.
These issues don’t have to interfere with your oral health, but you should be aware that they can be problematic. If they apply for you, be sure to have a plan in place to address them.
We can partner with you so that you can maintain a beautiful, healthy smile throughout your lifespan. If you have gotten behind with your checkups and cleanings, call The Dental Place today to schedule an appointment to get back on track.