Senior Care
Tooth Loss, Periodontal Disease, and Other Senior Dental Concerns
Prior to tooth loss, seniors may experience tooth sensitivity or discoloration caused by enamel and dentin loss, or root deterioration caused by gum recession. Periodontal disease (gum disease) is more common in seniors due to poor dental hygiene, a poor diet, ill-fitting dental appliances, and/or diseases such as cancer or diabetes.
Indeed, the supporting bone structure for the teeth, including the jaw, can shift, which can disrupt a senior’s bite and contribute to tooth decay. Seniors are also more likely to experience gum tissue inflammation, dry mouth syndrome (often caused by medications), or oral thrush (a fungal disease causing ulcers and whitish spots on the membranes of the mouth due to its effect on the immune system).
Indeed, the supporting bone structure for the teeth, including the jaw, can shift, which can disrupt a senior’s bite and contribute to tooth decay. Seniors are also more likely to experience gum tissue inflammation, dry mouth syndrome (often caused by medications), or oral thrush (a fungal disease causing ulcers and whitish spots on the membranes of the mouth due to its effect on the immune system).
Diabetics Cariocare
Studies have not established that either heart disease or gum disease causes the other.This is a difficult task because many of the risk factors for gum disease are the same as those for heart disease:
1. Cigarette smoking
2. Poor nutrition
3. Diabetes
4. Sedentary Lifestyle
1. Cigarette smoking
2. Poor nutrition
3. Diabetes
4. Sedentary Lifestyle
Warning signs for gum disease:
Gum disease affects 80 percent of Indians.
Warning signs that you may have gum disease include:
1. Red, tender or swollen gums.
2. Bleeding gums while brushing or flossing.
3. Gums that seem to be pulling away from your teeth
4. Chronic bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth.
5. Teeth that are loose or are separating from each other.
Warning signs that you may have gum disease include:
1. Red, tender or swollen gums.
2. Bleeding gums while brushing or flossing.
3. Gums that seem to be pulling away from your teeth
4. Chronic bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth.
5. Teeth that are loose or are separating from each other.
If you have ave heart disease:
Estabish and maintain a healthy mouth. This means brushing and flossing daily and visiting your dentist regularly.
Make sure your dentist knows you have a heart problem, and share your complete medical history including any medications you are currently taking.
Carefully follow your physician’s and dentist’s instructions about health care, including using Prescription medications, such as antibiotics, as directed.
Make sure your dentist knows you have a heart problem, and share your complete medical history including any medications you are currently taking.
Carefully follow your physician’s and dentist’s instructions about health care, including using Prescription medications, such as antibiotics, as directed.
Dental Hygiene for Seniors
1. To maintain dental hygiene, brush, floss, and rinse with mouthwash as directed by your dentist to maintain dental hygiene.
2. Investigate special toothbrushes for cleaning difficult-to-reach areas of the mouth.
3. Know the warning signs that your mouth, teeth, or gums may be in danger, such as tooth sensitivity; teeth grinding; pain; mouth sores; bumps; swelling; loose teeth; jaw popping or clicking; difficulty quenching thirst, swallowing, or chewing; and difficulty swallowing or chewing (dry mouth syndrome).
4. Visit your dentist for regular dental hygiene checkups as often as he or she recommends.
5. Dentures and dental bridges should be properly maintained.
6. Consult your dentist both before and after surgery.
7. Inform your dentist about any medications you are taking or any medication changes.
8. If brushing and flossing are difficult for you, try using tongue depressors or something similar to lengthen the toothbrush, or ask for help. You can also try removing debris from your teeth with a soft washcloth or gauze, rinsing frequently. Continue using this method until you can brush your teeth again.
For related guidelines, people suffering from arthritis or a similar medical condition that limits manual dexterity can insert the back end of a toothbrush into a standard tennis ball. Other innovations designed to make oral hygiene simple and effective may be recommended by your dentist.
2. Investigate special toothbrushes for cleaning difficult-to-reach areas of the mouth.
3. Know the warning signs that your mouth, teeth, or gums may be in danger, such as tooth sensitivity; teeth grinding; pain; mouth sores; bumps; swelling; loose teeth; jaw popping or clicking; difficulty quenching thirst, swallowing, or chewing; and difficulty swallowing or chewing (dry mouth syndrome).
4. Visit your dentist for regular dental hygiene checkups as often as he or she recommends.
5. Dentures and dental bridges should be properly maintained.
6. Consult your dentist both before and after surgery.
7. Inform your dentist about any medications you are taking or any medication changes.
8. If brushing and flossing are difficult for you, try using tongue depressors or something similar to lengthen the toothbrush, or ask for help. You can also try removing debris from your teeth with a soft washcloth or gauze, rinsing frequently. Continue using this method until you can brush your teeth again.
For related guidelines, people suffering from arthritis or a similar medical condition that limits manual dexterity can insert the back end of a toothbrush into a standard tennis ball. Other innovations designed to make oral hygiene simple and effective may be recommended by your dentist.
