Common Oral Issues of Seniors
Oral health is vital to the general health and well-being of all Americans across all ages. Mouth issues can impact general health as general health can also influence the state of oral health. As a person ages then, issues may appear in the mouth that can impact quality of life. Those who are 55 years of age and above may see some common conditions of poor dental health. Dental and periodontal diseases among older adults can profoundly diminish quality of life and have an adverse impact on general health.
The CDC’s Division of Oral Health found that about 25% of adults over the age of 65 no longer have their natural teeth. Loss of dentition can result from untreated or neglected cavities and tooth decay which in turn can lead to a myriad of other oral issues, such as tooth sensitivity, gingivitis, periodontal disease, bone loss, and even ill-fitting dentures.
Periodontal disease plays a huge part in tooth loss. One reason it is so widespread among adults is that it’s often a painless condition until the advanced stage. Untreated, gums can begin to pull away from the teeth and form deep pockets where food particles and more plaque may collect. Advanced gum disease can eventually destroy the gums, bone and ligaments. Another oral health issue associated with older adults is dry mouth, which is an offshoot of many medications. And then there is mouth cancer.
As a result, older adults may experience difficulty maintaining a healthy diet that may lead to malnutrition. It can also affect speech, which in turn limits social interaction and intimacy, detracts from physical appearance, and lowers self-esteem. While dental disease is largely preventable, many older adults experience poor oral health. Dental care can be difficult for seniors to access to be able to avail of interventions effective in preventing and controlling oral disease. This is largely due to loss of dental insurance after retirement or economical disadvantages.
While the dilemma of oral health economics is the burden of public health infrastructure, the oral conditions described could be managed or prevented by making regular dental check-ups. From professionals, adults can learn how to properly focus on oral health and hygiene, avail of treatment interventions that can save teeth from loss and prevent gum destruction before it is too late.
Oral Health for Older Adults in Lynnwood
At Song Dental Center, look after the welfare of our patients at any and all ages. We are especially concerned about our older adults with their particular oral issues and needs. However, do not wait till you are 55, but rather, be under our professional care and management as early as possible.
