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Oral health is of utmost significance as the mouth is the entryway into the body. That is why it goes without saying that oral health is crucial for people of all age.
But with age, the oral problems start getting more pressing.
So if you have been suddenly inflicted with cavities even though you did not get it for years then you should know that you are entering the second phase of being cavity susceptible.
People above the age of 60 years are often prone to problems of improper denture care, lost teeth, periodontal disease, and discoloration. A better idea about the problems associated with old age will help you to control and manage the issues in a better way.
If you are a senior, there are a number of oral issues that can start affecting you.
Here are some of the most common ones. Just take a look.
· Bad Breath
The seniors often struggle with the bad breath that can make socializing quite a problem. But you must understand that bad breath is not a stand-alone kind of a problem. There can be a different cause which is underlying the issue and you can eliminate bad breath if the actual problem is addressed. The periodontal disease and dry mouth can be causes of bad breath. Deteriorating dental hygiene also contributes to the issue. For taking proper care of your oral hygiene, you should brush twice and floss daily and also see the dentist at least twice a year. You should also ensure that you clean your dentures if you have them. Plaque can build upon both teeth and dentures and that can give rise to bad breath.
· Xerostomia or Dry Mouth
The elderly may be required to take medications which, in turn, can cause Xerostomia or dry mouth. You can be more susceptible to the cavities and the tooth decay if you do not produce enough saliva which happens to be a natural defense system of the mouth. If you experience dry mouth you should study the side-effects of the medications that you are taking and have a talk with your dentist.
· Loss of Teeth
Research has revealed that about 30 percent of the seniors who are above 65 years old do not have any teeth left behind. Out of the rest, those aged above 65 years have about a minor 20 percent remaining teeth. Seniors are prone to a very high chance of tooth loss. For avoiding the loss of teeth, you should maintain proper hygiene and oral care.
· Poorly Caring for the Dentures
The dentures happen to be a very common tool for treating the loss of teeth. But if you don’t care for your denture properly, you can face a number of oral issues like the dentures may not fit in a great way or can shift. Under the dentures, plaque can also build up as a result of which your tissues and gums can get irritated. So follow the instructions provided by your dentist and take care of dentures in the best way possible.
· Cavities
One of the most frequent causes of tooth loss happens to be cavities or tooth decay. Aged people continue to experience dental decay on the roots of the teeth and upon the crowns. In fact, research has revealed that older people are prone to tooth decay more than even the kids. In order to avoid cavities, you should take good care of your oral health with regular brushing, flossing, and bi-annual dental check-up, drink lots of water and avoid foods and beverages that are high in sugar.
· Discolouration of Teeth
With age, the enamel of the teeth can wear away. It is for this reason that slight staining of the teeth is quite natural as one gets old. Though some discoloration is impossible to avoid, with proper dental care you can avoid massive teeth staining. Try to keep the teeth as white as possible by avoiding coffee, soda, tobacco, and tea. If you are not satisfied with your smile you can consult with the dentist regarding availing any type of cosmetic treatment. Permanent dental veneers or teeth whitening can help you get your desired results.
· Gum Ailment or Periodontal Disease
Among the aging population, the gum disease happens to be a very common problem. As this issue takes some years to develop, the older people are more susceptible to periodontal disease and then the younger generation. The most beneficial way to prevent gum ailment is to practice good oral hygiene. You should go for regular consultation with the dentist so that the developing gum ailment can be detected before gingivitis turns to periodontitis. Professional dental care along with bleeding gums treatment should not be ignored if you want to keep gum disease at bay.
As you age, there are some oral issues that become almost inevitable. But with proper oral care and by staying alert you can avoid much of the trouble. Ensure you consult with your dentist frequently to restore your pearly whites and your oral health for the longest time.
Isreal olabanji a dental assistant and public health professionals and has years of experience in assisting the dentist with all sorts of dental issues.
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