Aging and Dental Health

Considering the rapidly increasing elderly population, it can be said that oral health is as important as maintaining the body shape in adults over a certain age.

Poor dental hygiene increases the risk of lung infection, badly managed diabetes, endocarditis, and insufficient nutrition, among other systemic health issues, in older people. Tooth loss, gum disease, and other dental disorders are believed to be unavoidable results of the aging process. Periodontitis and poor oral health, however, are preventable, as are many aspects of aging that individuals may consider natural. Patient education initiatives are essential for older people’s dental health.

Dry mouth is a frequent side effect of several drugs routinely used by older people, which can lead to tooth decay and impairments in swallowing, speaking, and tasting. For elderly people to preserve oral health, proper daily oral care and preventative dental checkups are required.

As CLINIQUEPLUS family, we know the importance of oral and dental health for individuals as well as for every segment of society. If you are in the group of older adults, we offer you quality services such as dental implants and provide information about dental implants before and after, in addition to our recommendations for your oral hygiene, which you can find in this article.

What Can Lead to Poor Oral Health in Old Age?

When dentists perform procedures on teeth and other oral tissues, microorganisms can enter the bloodstream. These pathogenic germs can then spread throughout the body and might potentially affect body implants, such as prosthetic joints and heart valves. Even cleaning your teeth might introduce germs into your system if you have poor dental health.

Good dental hygiene is the most important thing you can do to prevent diseases. All elderly individuals should be mindful of their oral care. Seniors with prosthetic joints and heart valves must exercise additional caution. However, the majority of individuals having them do not need antibiotics prior to dental procedures.

During routine medical appointments, your dentist should inquire about any mouth discomfort or tooth pain you may be experiencing. Xerostomia and decreased saliva increase the risk of tooth decay. Whether you have a dry mouth, consult with your dentist to determine if any of the drugs you’re using might be exacerbating the problem.

Dos and Don’ts to Protect Oral and Dental Health in Advanced Age

Below you can find what you need to do to protect your oral health.

Do’s

• Consume sugar free candy or gum containing xylitol to increase salivation, particularly if you experience dry mouth signs.
• Schedule a visit with your dentist if you have persistent Xerostomia symptoms.
• Every day, brush your teeth using fluoride toothpaste.
• Choose an electric toothbrush.
• Floss your teeth daily. The use of floss holders may be beneficial for individuals with stiff hands.
• If you have a history of tooth decay, see your dentist about prescribing fluoride mouth rinses and fluoride varnishes.
• At least twice a year, all older persons must receive a dental cleaning from a dental hygienist and an oral health evaluation from their dentist.

The following conditions cause poor oral health.

DONT’s

• Avoid smoking and chewing tobacco at all costs.
• If it is at all feasible, you should avoid taking medicines that inhibit the production of saliva.
• Avoid eating foods that are high in sugar, particularly snacks or sweets that are sticky and heavy in sugar.
• Don’t hesitate to ask your dentist about the processes you need to complete before getting your teeth cleaned or undergoing any other dental work.

“Can I Stop My Teeth from Aging?”

You can’t stop your teeth from getting older in the same way that you can’t stop the rest of your body from becoming older. Nevertheless, there are ways to lessen their impact. Precaution is the beginning and the end of everything.

Maintaining a consistent routine for your skincare may help avoid wrinkles, as well as maintaining a consistent routine for your oral hygiene can help your teeth seem as youthful and as healthy as possible for as long as possible. Brushing and flossing your teeth on a regular basis are examples of routine oral hygiene treatments that can help reduce the indications of age but cannot prevent your teeth from becoming older.

You can get more detailed information about oral and dental health and get a free consultation by coming to CLINIQUEPLUS, which has the best healthcare professionals in this field. After the examination, you will also find answers to all your questions about dental implants, and dental treatment costs in Turkey.