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The Delta Dental PPO Plan
As far as age is concerned, most elderly people agree that feeding is becoming increasingly difficult for them with each passing year. Digestive problems or health problems are some common causes, but dental problems are usually a major part of the reason. Oral health complaints result in difficulty eating, which otherwise leads to poor quality of life.
Even though the elderly do not engage in some of the activities they used to when they were young, they can still fall ill or get injured. A minor mouth injury can have severe consequences, and since seniors’ bodies are not as young and resilient as they used to be, it may take longer for them to heal. Going to a dentist for even trivial oral complications could help avoid invasive operations in the future.
Importance of Oral Health in Seniors
One of the biggest problems amongst the elderly is tooth loss. Close to 20% of the adults above the age of 65 years have suffered partial or complete tooth loss. However, this does not mean that tooth loss is an inevitable reality for everyone. Teeth themselves can last a lifetime if proper care is provided. Poor dental hygiene raises the chances of getting cavities and gum diseases, which cause discomfort, inflammation, and loss of teeth.
Xerostomia or dry mouth symptoms are common in elderly patients and can trigger a variety of diseases. The mouth needs saliva to function properly, and when one loses saliva, one experiences problems such as gum disease, cavities, and speaking or chewing difficulties. Several drugs, including antidepressants, heart drugs, antihistamines, and blood pressure medications, have dry mouth as one of their side effects. Patients should observe any side effects caused by medication, particularly dryness, and if this occurs, they should consult their doctor or dentist.
Dietary Considerations for Oral Health
Old people should also ensure that they have balanced diets and avoid foods that may cause poor oral health. Candies and other sweet items cause cavities, while acidic foods and drinks cause tooth decay due to erosion of the enamel layer. Starchy foods such as popcorn or potato chips are ‘sharp’ and may cause damage to gums and introduce infection.
Healthy snacks for oral health include:
- Raw foods like fruits and vegetables, especially those that contain fiber, are leafy foods.
- Low-fat foods like fish and poultry must be encouraged.
- Low-fat foods such as white rice, pasta, bread, potatoes, vegetables, and foods prepared from animal meat.
- Controlled intake of water, especially that which contains fluoride.
Calcium is beneficial for proper dental health, and a large number of elderly people may require a higher dosage for their teeth as well as bones. Bone-related diseases like osteoporosis, which is common in senior citizens and makes bones fragile, may also impact the jaw bone around the teeth. Adding more calcium to the diet can control the threat of osteoporosis and help maintain healthy teeth.
Caring for Dentures
They are regular among the elderly, and their utilization is likely to increase in the years to come. There’s nothing as important as proper care and visits to a dentist for constant monitoring and treatment to avoid discomfort and impairment of functionalities. Any perceived pain or discomfort related to dentures should be assessed by a dentist. It is recommended that individuals who wear dentures should visit the dentist at least once a year to check on the fitting and overall status of the dentures.
Conclusion
Oral Health Care is an essential factor when it comes to the quality of life of the elderly. Proper cleaning of one’s teeth, care of dentures, and attention to one’s diet can go far in improving the health of an individual. If you’re seeking care, look no further than Smiley Dental – your health is what’s most important to us! We have a team of highly qualified professionals keen to ensure that your family gets a healthy, beautiful smile for a lifetime.