It is a well-known fact that oral health and overall health have a close link, especially when talking about older adults. Advancing in age puts most seniors at risk of several oral health problems, and this article should give you an insight into the possible problems and the importance of oral care. When looking out for the health of a senior loved one, this doesn’t just mean keeping a check or an eye on their physical capabilities and nutritional intake, but also their gums and teeth.

As we age, we become weaker. Dental health is one of the personal hygiene steps that people tend to forget. Since dental health and overall health have a close link, it is highly important that elderly people consult orthodontists, who have gone through orthodontic continuing education seminars to keep their oral health as a priority at all times.

The constant changes present a complete set of considerations when it comes to oral health in adults. Here’s what you should know about oral health care importance in older adults.

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Table of Contents

Oral Care and Its Importance

Poor dental care can bring along several other health considerations, especially in older or senior adults. Maintaining a balanced and stable oral care regimen is imperative to ensure good health overall. The reasons why oral health should be an important consideration in adults include:

Prevention of Gum Diseases

Gum diseases are common in senior adults and often result when the tissues in the surrounding get infections because of the buildup of plaque on the gums and teeth, according to the American Dental Association. The first stage of gum diseases is often gingivitis and the recognizable symptoms are bleeding gums, swollen or red gums. Having gum diseases is usually a concern for most adults because of different reasons, including the plaque on the teeth, and the gums from many years of consuming a poor diet and not developing the proper oral healthcare habits earlier in life. With regular visits to an orthodontist who has gone through Gerety Orthodontic Seminars, gingivitis is a reversible problem.

Risks of Heart Diseases Reduced

Research also shows that gum diseases and heart diseases have a connection. Hence, maintaining proper oral hygiene serves as a powerful weapon against the possible chances of strokes, heart attacks, and other heart disease conditions. In fact, the American Academy of Periodontology states that people who have periodontal disease are twice likely to have coronary artery disease or heart disease. Furthermore, studies show that the common problems in the oral health of seniors like gingivitis, missing teeth or cavities predict heart diseases as cholesterol levels.

Sensitive Teeth

There are times when we have tossed a cold glass of water, and feel a tingling, sharp sensation in our teeth. As we age, this increases, especially if there’s a lack in oral healthcare. A number of factors lead to tooth sensitivity, including cavities, worn out enamel, and possible gum diseases. Brushing the teeth properly using the right fluoride toothpaste can prevent and repair the sensitivity problem gradually. However, if the problem persists, you should consult experts with knowledge in orthodontic continuing education for general dentists. The job of an orthodontist is to guide you well on the problem and find the possible cure for it.

Prevention of Dry Mouth

Older adults take so many different kinds of medications; most of them cause dry mouth. To protect the teeth from the risks of oral infections and tooth decay, they keep salivating. If left untreated, chronic dry mouth could lead to cavities and gum diseases. These conditions can make it quite difficult for you to eat, and you will develop malnutrition problems.

Root Decay

Another importance of senior oral health care is to prevent root decay. This results from constant exposure of the tooth to acids that cause tooth decay. As the gum recedes from the tooth, the roots exposed. As such, the roots will have no enamel to protect them and they will be bound to decay from the crown part of the tooth.

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Pneumonia

Another possible cause is pneumonia and poor oral health in the elderly is the cause of this problem. As you breathe in bacterial droplets from the mouth to the lungs, you are more susceptible to this condition. To combat bacteria, good oral hygiene is a good solution. In nursing homes, good oral health care is important and you should always make an appointment with your orthodontist for the best cure or treatment plans.

Diabetes and Oral Health Problems

In seniors or elderly people, oral infections could cause sugar levels to rise and this can lead to diabetes. Although diabetes is a treatable problem, but not a curable one, it is important that you visit a specialist with orthodontic CE experience to guide you well. Remember that any preexisting problem could lead to tooth decay, infection and gum diseases.

Before you visit a specialist, just research well on your own to be sure of the problem you are having in oral care. Get the best advice and follow the proper treatment plans and precautionary measures.