Elderly Dental Hygiene Concerns

As a person grows older, their dental health concerns become increasingly more complicated. Depending on their past oral health history, a dentist may need to take special steps to assist these patients. Problems for these patients can include damage caused by past trauma to the mouth or long-term damages caused by plaque.

One of the primary concerns for elderly patients occurs if they lose their natural teeth. With increasing life spans across most of the developed world, many senior citizens essentially outlive their teeth. As a result, they need special dental care to replace one or multiple lost teeth. If a significant amount of teeth have been damaged or have fallen out, a patient may need a full set of dentures. These should be designed to best fit the individual’s mouth for functionality and comfort.

In addition to needing dentures and tooth replacements, senior citizens are at particular risk for developing cancer. As they progress through life, they are exposed to sources of radiation such as the sun over a lengthy period of time. The resulting oral cancer concerns may be tracked and appropriately screened at regular dental check-ups.

For many seniors, dry mouth is a serious concern. This issue can reduce overall saliva production, which weakens the tooth’s natural defenses against plaque. A dentist can assist a senior with this problem, offering medications or simpler remedies.

For more information regarding your options as an elderly patient when seeking dental care, contact Austin cosmetic dentist Lance Loveless, DDS, of BridgeView Dental at 512-347-8299 today.