As people age, their teeth tend to become more fragile, leading to a heightened susceptibility to various oral issues. Consequently, prioritizing dental care among older adults becomes imperative to uphold optimal oral health, which significantly impacts overall well-being.
Minimizes Risks of Dental Issues
Just like other parts of the body, teeth and gums also age. However, we can slow down their deterioration by taking better care of them. As we get older, the chances of developing various diseases like gum disease or cavities go up. This is often influenced by factors such as wearing dentures or taking certain medications, which can have negative effects on the mouth.
Prevents Tooth Loss
It is quite common for older adults to experience tooth loss. Statistics show that a significant portion of adults aged 65 and above have lost all their teeth. This issue can have implications for nutrition since seniors who have lost teeth might struggle to eat or fully enjoy fresh foods, such as fruits and vegetables.
Prevents Heart Disease
Swelling that results from gingivitis or gum disease is linked to a heightened susceptibility to heart disease, as stated by the American Academy of Periodontology. Moreover, this disease can exacerbate specific heart issues and might also be correlated with an increased likelihood of experiencing a stroke.
Prevents Diabetes
Individuals who struggle to control their blood sugar levels face an elevated risk of dental issues like inflammation and gum disease. This heightened risk is attributed to the presence of excess glucose (sugar) in saliva, which provides an optimal environment for bacteria to thrive in the mouth. Additionally, gum disease appears to have an impact on blood sugar regulation, particularly among those with diabetes.
Prevents Oral Cancer
Elderly individuals face an increased likelihood of developing oral cancers, particularly if they engage in habits such as chewing tobacco or smoking cigarettes or cigars. Regular visits to the dentist play a crucial role in the early detection of potential issues, offering a chance for timely intervention. Thus, it is imperative to be quite cautious about oral health for optimum results.
Dentist Tigard, OR | Dental Blog - Lincoln Center Smiles Dr. Saklofsky has created an educational blog as a resource for our patients. If you like an article or the dental blog in general please share it to social media, then call (971) 317-9499 to make an appointment. Lincoln Center Smiles, 10500 SW Greenburg Rd, Suite 3, Portland, OR 97223-1406 / (503) 598-0898 / sakdental.com / 9/27/2024 / Tags: dentist Tigard OR /
As people age, their teeth tend to become more fragile, leading to a heightened susceptibility to various oral issues. Consequently, prioritizing dental care among older adults becomes imperative to uphold optimal oral health, which significantly impacts overall well-being.