The longer a person lives, the more attention that needs to be given to the maintenance of oral health so that bright and confident smiles are preserved. Seniors are prone to a lot of dental problems due to changes in the body, the medications they take, and the habits they acquire as they go through life. Regular visits to the Best Dental Clinic in Vizag can prevent and take care of these problems very easily.
1. Tooth Decay and Cavities
Years of abuse make the teeth more susceptible to decay as people grow older. On the other hand, the reduction in the flow of saliva results in more cavities.
Prevention:
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss daily to get rid of food particles and plaque.
- Get routine cleanings and fluoride treatments from the Best Dental Clinic in Vizag.
Gum Disease (Periodontitis)
It occurs in most of the elderly and can result in tooth loss when not treated. Symptoms are Bleeding gums, Bad breath, and Gum recession.
Prevention:
- Proper oral hygiene by regular brushing and flossing.
- Should reduce bacteria with an antibacterial mouthwash.
- Going for regular dental check-ups to find out early signs of gum disease.
Dry Mouth (Xerostomia).
Causes of dry mouth often include effects from drugs, diabetes, or other diseases. Lack of saliva predisposes them to tooth decay and infections.
Prevention:
- Drink plenty of water for hydration.
- Chew sugarless gum to stimulate saliva.
- Go to the Best Dental Clinic in Vizag for solutions like artificial saliva substitutes.
4. Tooth Sensitivity
Aging can wear off enamel, exposing the inner layers, which leads to sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods.
Prevention Tips:
- Use desensitizing toothpaste recommended by your dentist.
- Avoid all acidic and sugary foods that erode enamel.
- Get professional fluoride treatments to strengthen your teeth.
5. Tooth Loss
Many seniors experience tooth loss because of gum diseases, decay, or injury to the teeth. This loss leads to poor chewing ability and low confidence.
Prevention Tips:
- Maintain good oral hygiene and visit your dentist regularly.
- For a functional replacement, one can consider using dentures, bridges, or dental implants.
- Calcium and vitamin D enhance the strength of teeth, which is why one's diet must be rich in these nutrients.
6. Oral Cancer
The risk of oral cancer is said to rise with aging, especially when tobacco and alcohol are used. Symptoms would include mouth sores, pain, and difficulty in swallowing.
Prevention Tips:
- Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
- Get oral cancer screening at the Best Dental Clinic in Vizag.
- Recommend all healthy antioxidant dietary sources.
7. Denture-Related Problems
Mal-fitting dentures can be very uncomfortable and with sore gums and hinder good speech or chewing abilities.
Prevention:
- Cleaning dentures daily prevents infection.
- Proper fit, with adjustment as needed.
- Regular dental check-up.
8. Bad Breath (Halitosis)
Chronic halitosis can often indicate dental problems like gum disease, dry mouth, or dental caries.
Preventive Measures:
- Brush your teeth and tongue every day.
- Drink plenty of water and use mouthwash.
- Regularly undergo dental cleaning to remove plaque and bacteria buildups.
While aging can bring its challenges to dental care, with adequate care, elderly persons should maintain good oral health. Routine visits to the Best Dental Clinic in Vizag will help in the early detection and elimination of any dental problems.
Do not allow age to rob you of your smile! Call Sri Satya Dental Hospital for a dental check-up today and keep your teeth healthy for many more years!