As you may have noticed, maintaining your dental health can become more challenging as you age. You may not be surprised to learn that 43 percent of adults, ages 65 or older, have lost six or more teeth as a result of tooth decay or gum disease. Clearly, focusing on senior dental care should be a top priority because dental procedures, especially those that are not planned for, can be costly and painful.
Proper daily dental hygiene will also guard against needing additional senior dental care. Brushing your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, flossing, and rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash each day can keep your dental health in check even as you age. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends using a toothbrush with a larger handle or an electric toothbrush to making brushing easier, especially if you suffer from arthritis.
The ADA advises seeing your primary medical doctor regularly to monitor your dental health. That’s because other chronic health conditions, like heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and some cancers can increase the need for dental care for senior patients. Certain medications may cause side effects, like dry mouth, and a few can cause interactions with drugs required during dental procedures. Tell your medical doctor and dentist about prescription and over-the-counter medicines you are taking.
Dry mouth, gum disease, and chronic illnesses, like kidney disease and diabetes, can cause this embarrassing condition. Proper daily dental care, whether you wear dentures or not, can diminish bad breath.
Unchecked gum disease is the leading cause of seniors losing teeth and requiring dental help. Again, it’s strongly advised that you see your dentist on a regular basis to avoid tooth loss. Maintaining a healthy diet, including 1,000 milligrams of calcium daily will help your jaw bone and teeth stay strong.
Dentures for seniors and other dental implants require regular brushing and care, just like natural teeth. Maintaining proper dental health for your remaining natural teeth helps your implants and apparatuses fit and work properly.
If you notice increased tooth sensitivity, you may have a cavity, gum disease or worn enamel, so it’s important to see your dentist right away.
This is one of the most common side effects of medications used to treat chronic health conditions. It can cause dental health issues, like cavities and gum disease. To combat this annoying and potentially problematic oral health issue, stay hydrated throughout the day and limit your intake of alcohol, sugary drinks, and caffeine.
Taking prescription medicines and wearing dentures may impact your sense of taste. Sensory loss is also a normal part of aging, and scientists are studying how loss of taste occurs so treatments can be developed.
Common causes of gum disease are plaque, food left on and in the teeth, smoking, chewing tobacco, poor nutrition, ill-fitting bridges and dentures, some cancers, and diabetes. Regular senior dental care is the best way to avoid developing gum disease.
According to the ADA, if you suffer from diabetes, you are more likely to also suffer from dry mouth, cavities, enflamed gums or gingivitis, periodontal disease, and diminished sense of taste. It’s important to keep your blood sugar in check and to visit your dentist regularly to monitor your oral health.
This and the use of other tobacco products can cause dental health issues, like oral cancer, gum disease, change in tooth color, diminished sense of taste, bad breath, and many other potential problems. The best way to prevent these issues is obviously to stop using tobacco products.
Signs of oral cancer include swelling, lumps or rough spots in your mouth, bleeding, facial sores, spots or unusual textures, change in your voice, tooth pain, and numbness. See your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms. Smoking and heavy alcohol use can cause oral cancer. Men and people over age 55 are more likely to develop oral cancer. To reduce your chances of developing the disease, limit your sun exposure, eat a well-balanced diet, make dental health a priority, and don’t smoke.
Given the many dental issues and care needs seniors face, it’s important to have good dental coverage. Unfortunately, Medicare doesn’t offer seniors dental care coverage, but Medico’s Dental Insurance Portfolio can help cover your dental, vision, and hearing costs. To learn more, call (800) 547-2401, Option 3.
With new diet trends constantly emerging, it can be difficult to decide which diet plans to follow. Before you try any of these diets, learn which senior diet plans help weight loss, disease prevention, and overall health.
A fall at home can be devastating physically, emotionally, and financially for older people. That’s why it’s important to protect seniors by taking steps to minimize the risk of falls in the home.
Eating healthy doesn’t have to be expensive. The best foods for seniors can be low-cost meals that center around getting the most nutrition on a budget.
Getting dentures for the first time doesn’t have to be an imposition in your daily life. Learn what to anticipate during the dentures process — from diagnosis to aftercare.
If you’re weighing senior care options for yourself or a loved one, it’s important to learn what each type offers, which will work best for your situation, and what insurance will cover.
If you’re a senior considering a knee replacement or hip replacement, your first concerns may be how much the procedure will cost, what your insurance will cover, and what you may have to pay out-of-pocket.
The holidays can be magical and filled with joy when you’re surrounded by family and friends. But this season can also magnify feelings of loneliness if you’re facing senior isolation. Learn why it’s important to combat senior isolation and how to connect with others during the holidays.