No matter your age, caring for your mouth is a critical part of remaining healthy and happy. However, it can be complicated to know what counts as proper dental care for the elderly. The older you get, the more critical it becomes to care for your teeth, gums, and more. What do you need to know about caring for a senior as an older adult?
If you’re an older adult or caretaker seeking more information about dental health for seniors, you’re in the right place. From finding the right dentist to determining what items to consider in oral health, it can be overwhelming to care for the mouth – but it doesn’t have to be. Read on to learn more about what’s necessary in dental health for seniors.
Locating a Dentist for Seniors
In our modern world, there are more ways than ever to find a dentist. Two ways stand out – word of mouth and the internet.
If you have friends or family in the area, consider asking them about the dentist they used. They should be able to guide you to a proper provider who will offer high-quality care for your mouth.
Another excellent way to find a dentist as a senior is to search for a dentist in your area on the internet. Read reviews or look for selections close to home. Then, give them a visit to see for yourself. Try to prioritize a private practice over a major chain as they are more likely to offer more personalized care.
Finding and Maintaining Proper Insurance
Ensure you are covered for dental insurance at the beginning of the year. If you don’t know where to go, ask a friend or loved one to assist you with navigation to a platform where you can sign up. You may want to consider getting a more expensive plan that covers the care you know you will need. For example, dentures are often an extra cost, and you’ll want to find a plan that covers them.
Once you have a plan, you want to go to a dentist that takes your insurance, or every visit will be expensive. Once you know your insurance, use their database through the internet or phone to determine if the dentist you want is covered. Double-check with your dentist to ensure they take that insurance.
Importance of Consistent Dental Visits
Dental visits are critical for older adults and must be consistent. Typically, you should visit the dentist every six months for a regular check-up. They will let you know if you must come in more often for deeper dental issues—a filling or dentures may require more frequent visits.
According to one study, dental visits are vital because the health of the mouth is linked with the health of the body. Those with poor oral conditions found a far lower quality of life, especially as they grew older and their bodies aged.
Related: 10 Tips to Keep You Mentally Sharp as You Age
Common Dental Health Issues Faced by Seniors
Tooth Decay
One of the most common issues faced by seniors in the dental health arena is tooth decay. As the body ages, many things begin to break down. Older adults can accumulate plaque on their teeth. When there is too much plaque, it attacks the enamel of the tooth and breaks it down.
When the tooth breaks down enough, a cavity can appear. These holes in the teeth can be painful and impact the quality of life. Simply brushing and flossing every day can keep tooth decay in the distance.
Gum Disease
Another issue when considering oral health for seniors is gum disease. Typically, gum disease occurs when there is inflammation in the gums. If it’s left alone long enough, it’s possible for the disease to lead to a breakdown of the bones in the mouth and could cause teeth to leave their spot.
In some cases, gum disease has been connected to strokes and even heart disease. Brush, floss, and head to the dentist when scheduled to keep these items out of your mouth and body.
Dry Mouth Syndrome
Another unfortunate item seniors are prone to is dry mouth syndrome. This syndrome appears in adults and occurs when the saliva isn’t being produced at a high enough rate for the mouth. According to one study, it even increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
Dry mouth can also happen thanks to medications, cancer treatment, and more. If you want to deal with your dry mouth, go to the dentist as often as is recommended and drink more water. This adventure should keep dry mouths at bay.
Other Considerations for Senior Dental Health
Grinding and Clenching Teeth
When considering senior dental care, it’s valuable to know if you grind or clench your teeth. Many seniors do, and this action can destroy or wear and tear your mouth.
If this happens to you, talk to your dentist. They’ll work with you on solutions to prevent any further damage from happening.
Medication Impacts
Another thing to note is that some medications can alter the health of a senior adult’s mouth. In some cases, medicine could dry out the mouth. If the mouth dries, it can lead to gum or tooth damage.
As a senior, ensure you know the side effects of your medication. Speak to your dentist first to determine the best next steps.
Avoiding/Eating Specific Foods
If you want healthy gums and teeth, it’s time to move into your diet. According to one study, smoking, alcohol, and sugar-filled food will have the biggest impact on aging adult teeth. As you grow older, keep these items at a distance.
A senior’s diet should include fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to maintain a solid balance and assist with oral hygiene. The healthier the diet, the more positive the outcome can be on the teeth.
Related: Easy Recipes for Seniors: Salmon Poke Bowl
Final Thoughts on Senior Dental Health
No matter how old you are, dental health is vital. In fact, it’s even more critical as you age to keep your body in optimal condition for the highest quality of life. From locating the right dentist to taking care of the food you eat, every bit matters.
If you don’t know what you’re doing, don’t be afraid to seek out help. A solid dentist will make a massive difference in the life of any senior.
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