When was the last time you saw your dentist? If you are elderly and haven’t had a chance to schedule a routine dental exam in more than six months, it’s wise to do so now. As we age, oral health changes are inevitable. Thankfully, preventive senior oral health care may improve your quality of life by:
- Helping prevent common dental health problems
- Decreasing mortality rates
- Keeping the teeth strong enough to complete daily tasks (such as being able to speak clearly, so that you can Facetime your grandchildren)
When providing comprehensive dental care for older patients in Lombard, IL, Dr. Julie Glud pays close attention to signs of the following conditions:
1. Dry Mouth
Does your mouth often feel so dry that chewing, swallowing, and talking pose a challenge? If so, you may be suffering from chronic dry mouth. Although dry mouth is common among older adults, it’s not a normal part of aging. Rather, it’s the by-product of underlying conditions, including:
- Chronic dehydration
- Nerve damage in the head or neck
- Chemotherapy and radiation therapy
- Certain diseases (such as Diabetes, Sjögren’s syndrome, and HIV/AIDS)
- Medication side effects
2. Dental Decay
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 96% of adults aged 65 years or older have a cavity (and 20% have untreated tooth decay). As previously mentioned, dry mouth is a prevalent issue among the elderly population. Dry mouth decreases oral pH levels, which increases acidity. Cavity-causing bacteria thrive in acidic environments. If left untreated, extensive dental decay may occur.
3. Gum Disease
Gum disease impacts 68% of adults aged 65 years or older. Generally, periodontal disease is caused by gradual oral bacteria build-up. Although periodontal disease is preventable, it may showcase as a consequence of:
- Inadequate nutrition
- Enamel wear and tear
- Oral health and hygiene neglect
4. Tooth Loss
After a lifetime of taking care of your teeth, the idea of tooth loss can be heartbreaking for many. Tooth loss is a major area of concern for every adult’s oral health. Unfortunately, as age increases, so does the risk of tooth loss. Although some adults lose teeth due to trauma, tooth loss is generally connected to an individual’s overall health and wellbeing.
If you are worried about tooth loss, here are some risk factors to consider:
- Gum recession
- Brushing your teeth too aggressively
- Poor or inconsistent oral hygiene routines
- Tobacco use
- Bruxism (chronic teeth grinding)
- Advanced periodontal disease
- Heredity
5. Oral and Pharyngeal Cancers
Did you know that the median age of diagnosis for oral cancer is 62 years? Recently discovered evidence indicates that the increased incidence of oral cancer among elderly patients is correlated with increased rates of oral HPV infections and consequent HPV-driven cancers.
At senior checkups, your dentist will inspect for pre-cancerous and cancerous lesions so that he or she can swiftly tackle oral and pharyngeal cancers before it’s too late.
Learn More About Senior Oral Health Care in Lombard, IL
At any age, oral health directly impacts overall health (and vice versa). Furthermore, maintaining excellent health for teeth, gums, and other oral tissues is especially critical for older adults and can help keep your smile looking and feeling youthful.
These oral health conditions do not happen overnight, so take extra care of your smile by booking senior dental care with Dr. Glud. Call 630-629-5700 or message us online.
