F. Lee McLemore, DDS

Dental Care for Senior Citizens

Geriatric Dentistry: The Need for Dental Care for Senior Citizens

Geriatric dentistry refers to the dental treatment options exclusively designed for elderly people. The senior group often deals with age-related diseases that demand proper management, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of dental concerns. That’s exactly where the geriatric dentistry services in Cresson, TX, swoop in. In this process, the professionals examine the oral condition of the patient and plan treatment methods based on the given situation.

However, it’s true that treating elderly individuals with poor oral health is tough. Since most of them are exposed to physical dexterity, weak cognitive skills, and various medical conditions, one needs to pay special attention while going through the process of geriatric dentistry. By adhering to tailored treatment methods, dentists focus on combating their patient’s oral health problems. Based on their current condition, elderly people are exposed to long-term and short- term care facilities.

In this blog, we will explore the problems that might take place due to the lack of adequate dental care and how it is important for our loved ones. Let’s start without any further ado.

Elderly Population Often Deal with These Few Problems

Check out the list of dental concerns that are potent enough to pose serious threats to the elderly group:

  • Denture-induced Stomatitis : This condition is mainly caused by fungus buildup inside the mouth, poor dental hygiene, and loose-fitting dentures.
  • Root Decay : Root decay is caused due to acids released from food items. It is indeed a common problem in most of the senior people.
  • Uneven Jawbone : When a dental patient loses one of their teeth and doesn’t incorporate a false tooth on the same spot, it eventually leads to an uneven jawbone.
  • Gum Disease : Factors such as an unhealthy diet, tobacco products, leftover food stuck in teeth, plaque, poorly fitting dentures, and bridges can lead to serious gum problems.
  • Dry Mouth : This condition is mainly caused due to medications.
  • Darkened Teeth : Exposure to food and beverages results in darkened teeth. The color change takes place over time.
  • Tooth Loss : Extremely common in every adult, tooth loss is evident after the age of 65.
  • Heart Disease: According to the American Academy of Periodontology, gum diseases can actually expose a person to heart diseases.
  • Oral Cancer : People who smoke pipes, cigarettes, and cigars are quite susceptible to oral cancer.

The Importance of Geriatric Dental Care

Geriatric dental care in Aledo, TX, enables patients to receive top-notch treatment from experienced dentists with extensive training. Their prompt attention to the given situation and profound understanding of dentistry help them to figure out the root cause and solutions quite
immediately.

As we already know, the elderly group of people are quite prone to prescription drugs and over-the-counter drugs. This is one of the reasons behind making them susceptible to medication mistakes, drug interactions, and poor drug reactions. Since a professional and expert dentist are well aware of the whereabouts, they know the art of navigating through these types of situations. They ensure to maintain maximized safety and offer extra care, thus helping the patients take a step toward overall well-being.

The senior group is also subjected to physical, sensory, and cognitive limitations, this often paves the way toward complicated communication and dental treatment. By making special efforts to keep distractions and disturbances at bay, geriatric dentists offer reassurance and comfort to each one of them. Geriatric dentistry needs to involve trust in the process, or else certain factors like cognitive impairments can make elderly patients feel emotional and overwhelmed. With short communications and a warm vibe, the dentists tend to make their patients feel less uneasy and much better.

When compared to pediatric dentistry in Weatherford, TX, geriatric dentistry can be a little more complicated, and that’s why extra is much needed throughout the session. Frequent dental visits are the key to preventing, treating, and detecting oral health issues.

What Are Some of the Senior Dental Care Methods?

Proper dental care methods can actually reduce your visits to both geriatric and pediatric dental care in Stephenville, TX. Below, we are mentioning some pointers for you to have a look at:

● Consider brushing your teeth at least twice a day using fluoride toothpaste and soft bristles.
● Use an interdental cleaner or floss to reach the inaccessible areas of your mouth.
● People wearing partial or full dentures must ensure to keep them neat and clean.
● Use an antiseptic mouthwash to rinse at least twice a day.
● Before sleeping at night, make sure to remove the dentures and keep them aside in a clean place.
● If you have the habit of smoking, consider quitting it for your own good.
● Invest in fluoride since they are an excellent option that keeps tooth decay at bay.
● Visit your geriatric dentist at least twice a year, depending on your current condition.
● Include high-fiber food items and dairy into your diet, thus taking a step toward a well- balanced and fulfilling meal.

Best Geriatric Dentistry only at Weatherford Dentistry

We at Weatherford Dentistry understand the nitty-gritty of geriatric dentistry in Aledo, TX, and we treat your loved ones as our loved ones too. Catering to personalized dental needs for years, we promise to give them a healthy, comfortable, and vibrant smile. You can rely on our compassionate and experienced team members with your eyes closed, we ensure to make the comprehensive dental procedure less intimidating and more comfortable.
For dental visits, inquiries, and appointments, you can call us at the number given on the website. We will be more than happy to assist you.

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