Advancing age can cause complications and health risks for seniors that need an exam and treatment.
Dental Problems for Seniors
Darkened teeth – Caused, to some extent, by changes in dentin — the bone-like tissue that underlies the tooth enamel — and by a lifetime of consuming stain-causing foods and beverages.
Dry mouth – Caused by reduced saliva flow, which can be a result of cancer treatments that use radiation to the head and neck area, certain diseases, and medication side effects.
A diminished sense of taste – While advancing age impairs the sense of taste, diseases, medications, and dentures can also contribute to this sensory loss
Root decay – This is caused by exposure of the tooth root to decay-causing acids. The tooth roots become exposed as gum tissue recedes from the tooth.
Gum disease – Caused by plaque and made worse by food left in teeth, use of tobacco products, poor-fitting bridges and dentures, poor diets, and certain diseases, such as anemia, cancer, and diabetes, this is often a problem for older adults
Tooth loss – Gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss
Uneven jawbone – This is caused by not replacing missing teeth. This allows the rest of the teeth to drift and shift into open spaces
Denture-induced stomatitis – Ill-fitting dentures, poor dental hygiene, or a fungus buildup – inflaming the tissue underlying a denture
Dental Exam
Health History – We perform a thorough assessment of your health and dental history
Examination and Cleaning – Will help scrape away tartar that causes gum disease
Advice – Ask any dental-related questions to your dentist or hygienist
Maintenance – If you have a bridge, denture, or implant, a dental exam is a good opportunity to ask your dentist to make sure it’s in good shape
