Cottonwood Creek Dental

Senior Dental Care

Proper oral hygiene practices can keep you smiling for years to come.
Proper dental care for seniors involves unique considerations. Seniors are more likely to suffer from a host of oral health issues that may result from the natural aging process.

Prior to tooth loss, seniors may experience tooth sensitivity or tooth discoloration due to loss of tooth enamel or root deterioration because of gum recession. Seniors are also more prone to gum disease that results from improper dental hygiene, poor diet, ill-fitting dental appliances, and diseases such as cancer or diabetes. In fact, the supporting bone structure for the teeth, including the jaw, may shift, which can play havoc on a senior's bite and may contribute to tooth decay.

Seniors are also more likely to suffer from inflammation of gum tissue, dry mouth syndrome (often caused by medications), or thrush (a fungal disease causing ulcers and whitish spots on membranes of the mouth due to its effect on the immune system).

Dental Hygiene for Seniors

• Brush, floss, and mouthwash properly to maintain dental hygiene.
• Look into special toothbrushes to clean hard-to-reach areas of the mouth.
• Know the warning signs that indicate your mouth, teeth, or gums may be in jeopardy, including tooth sensitivity, teeth grinding, pain, mouth sores, bumps swelling, loose teeth, jaw popping or clicking, as well as difficulty quenching thirst, swallowing or chewing.
• Visit your dentist, as often as he or she recommends, for regular dental hygiene checkups.
• Maintain dental appliances such as dentures and dental bridges properly.
• Consider seeing your dentist before and after surgery.
• Tell your dentist about any medications that you are taking or changes to medication.
• If brushing and flossing are difficult, try to elongate the toothbrush with tongue depressors or something similar, or ask for assistance. Or try a soft washcloth or gauze to remove debris from the teeth, and rinse frequently. Use this method until you are able to brush your teeth again.