Dental checkups for the elderly

Dental checkups for the elderly

Everyone should schedule regular dental checkups and cleanings, but it is absolutely essential for elderly individuals to pay close attention to their oral hygiene. Keep in mind that skipping even one year’s worth of appointments can allow a small problem to become serious, and this will force you to deal with unnecessary pain and expenses. It is also important to note that your dentist can tell a lot about your overall physical health based on the condition of your teeth and gums, so it is necessary to visit your dentist regularly in addition to scheduling checkups with your physician. In fact, many people first discover that they have a health issue after a visit to their dentist. Therefore, if you want to have good physical and dental health, you should schedule a cleaning and checkup twice a year.

What dental problems can elderly patients experience?

Patients of all ages need to be cognizant of dental problems so that they do not inadvertently end up putting their health at risk or finding themselves unable to eat comfortably in the future. However, elderly individuals are at a higher risk for developing certain problems, and this is yet another reason that they cannot afford to become lax about their commitment to good dental hygiene.

Older patients often have problems with missing teeth, gum disease, and ill-fitting dentures, and those who are not currently wearing dentures need to be able to receive a set that fits properly if their existing teeth become broken or rotted. Tooth extraction is another common procedure for elderly patients, and this makes sense when you consider the fact that their teeth have been in use for several decades. Unfortunately, these problems are prevalent because some of the health issues that are associated with getting older can be damaging to your teeth and gums. For example, there are many diseases and medications that can cause patients to deal with dry mouth, and this can cause extensive tooth decay and oral infections. You can take control of this problem by discussing it with your dentist and physician.

Why do elderly individuals need regular dental checkups?

Some people fail to place enough importance on maintaining good oral health, and many others will hesitate to move forward with treatment until it is almost too late. Taking too relaxed of a stance regarding your teeth and gums can cause you to suffer from many problems, including tooth loss, thrush, gum disease, stomatitis, root decay, an uneven jawbone, darkened teeth, and a noticeable reduction in your sense of taste. Although some of these issues seem mostly cosmetic, they can still have an impact on your physical health, and you also need to be cognizant of the fact that they can be harmful to your self-esteem. When you consider all of these factors, it becomes extremely easy to understand why it makes no sense to delay regular dental checkups, cleanings, and any necessary treatments.

Choosing a dentist who understands elderly dental issues

You have the option to go to many different dentists, but you will receive the best care if you choose an office that is staffed by professionals who have experience providing dental care for elderly patients. After all, you would not go to a pediatrician for a health problem, so you should not rely on a dentist who is not experienced with senior care. Failure to pay attention to this important distinction could leave you with a dentist who is not aware enough of the specific needs of people within your age group, and this can lead to improper care. Fortunately, the team at Emerald Dental Care specializes in geriatric dentistry, so we are prepared to meet all of your needs. You can contact us at 440.944.2200 to schedule an appointment.