It’s a fact of life – our bodies change as we get older and so do our dental needs. These changes take different forms in different people, depending on our inherited physical traits, our lifestyle and our nutritional habits, and our medical conditions. Dr. Giordano pays close attention to specific areas that will protect and extend the oral health of senior patients.
Because tooth decay and cavities are problems that affect everyone, including the elderly, it’s especially important for seniors to practice a thorough dental health routine.
Toothbrushes should be replaced every three months or when bristles begin to fray. Changing your tooth brush at the start of each new season is an easy way to remember.
Dr. Giordano often adjusts existing toothbrushes to meet the needs of older adults, while also providing them some independence. For seniors who have a difficult time grasping their toothbrush handle, the handle can be enlarged with a sponge, a rubber ball or by wrapping adhesive tape around the handle. Other seniors may find that using an electric toothbrush is easier to manipulate than a manual brush.
Because oral comfort is a key to a senior citizen’s ability to get adequate nutrition, Dr. Giordano frequently recommends dental implants for her elderly patients. A dental implant is an ideal tooth restoration for people who are missing teeth as a result of injury or periodontal disease. Implants are stronger than natural teeth and generally last 10-20 years. They also are a more favorable approach to bridgework because they do not depend on neighboring teeth for support.