Why is Oral Health so Important for our Elderly?
With greater healthcare and advances in science and medical care, we are living for longer. Since the 1950s, the average life span of New Zealanders has increased from 69 to 82 years old. This is a great indicator of an improved quality of life and, thanks to innovations in dental health care, many people are keeping their own teeth for longer too.
However, it also means that dental care services for senior patients have had to adapt to provide the best dental services for the elderly: specialist dental advice and support, restorative work, and dentures. Good oral health is critical to good general physical health, and it’s important elderly patients have the opportunity to maintain their oral health.
What are the signs of oral disease in the elderly?
Whether you are a mature patient or a caregiver for an elder, mouth checks should be performed regularly to pick up any oral problems. Here’s a list of the most common indicators that a trip to the dentist is needed:
Receding and bleeding gums
Receding gums that bleed during and after teeth brushing is a sign of disease which, if left untreated, causes irreversible bone and tissue damage and a loss of teeth. While missing teeth can be replaced through denture, crown and bridge dentistry, complications arise when the immune system is compromised while the infection is being fought – something that older members of our community can ill afford to happen.
Changes to saliva
A change to the appearance and density of saliva (be it thicker than normal, stringy, or bubbly) can be a symptom of other issues that need investigating and ruling out. Saliva is important for oral health. It helps to keep the soft tissues of the mouth healthy, neutralise plaque acids and help with the digestion of food, so when there’s a change to it, the patient can feel a great level of discomfort in a way they may not think is related to their oral health.
Darkened teeth
After a lifetime of consuming foods and drinks that stain teeth, they naturally lose their sparkle, but darkened teeth are also caused by a change in the structure – the hard, white enamel thins, and the yellower dentine is more evident. If you notice a tooth or teeth darkening, make an appointment with our Riccarton dentists (Christchurch), it can be a sign of an underlying problem.
Good dental hygiene is more than retaining a smile to boost self-esteem and confidence – it’s the key to unlocking wellbeing. Poor oral health can impact an elderly person’s daily activities – their ability to speak and eat, which can in turn snowball into weight-loss and socialisation concerns.
At Duxton Dental we actively support our elderly patients to achieve optimum oral health – advising on nutrition to reduce the risk of tooth decay, how to combat the side effects of medications that dry the mouth, and how best to care for dentures to reduce irritation and ensure comfort. If you have any concerns about an elder’s oral health, please contact us to arrange an appointment at one of our dental clinic in Christchurch – we’re here to help.
