Dental Care for Seniors

According to the American Dental Association, people of all ages should brush their teeth twice a day, floss daily, and regularly visit their dentist to keep their teeth and gums healthy. As we age, good oral health care becomes increasingly important; many seniors are prone to dental problems such as tooth decay, gum recession, and periodontal disease. To prevent these issues, seniors should schedule an appointment with the Orange County cosmetic dentists at Caldwell Dental Care. Drs. Ty and Susan Caldwell have more than 50 years of combined dental experience.

Common Dental Health Obstacles Faced by Seniors

There are a number of factors that make it more likely for seniors to develop dental problems. These include:

• The aging process: The foods and drinks that we consume, daily tooth brushing, and other environmental factors wear down the teeth and gums as we age. This often results in gum erosion and loss of tooth enamel. 
• Inability to maintain proper oral hygiene habits: Some seniors are unable to provide adequate dental care for themselves on a daily basis. Some may forget to brush and floss their teeth, while others are unable to administer a thorough cleaning.
• Lack of finances: Many seniors do not have dental insurance, or their current plan does not cover the cost of needed treatments.
• Medications: Certain medications cause dry mouth, which decreases patients' saliva flow. Saliva naturally cleans out the mouth by removing food particles and neutralizing plaque; if there is not enough saliva in the mouth, it can result in dental problems.
• Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions increase a patient's risk of dental problems. For example, patients with diabetes are more likely to develop gum disease.

Dental Problems in Seniors

Gum Erosion: The majority of seniors have developed some degree of gum recession. Gum erosion makes the tooth's root more vulnerable to decay, and can cause increased tooth sensitivity.
Treatment for Gum Erosion: Exposed roots can be treated with a soft-tissue graft.

Dry Mouth: Dry mouth makes patients more prone to dental problems such as bad breath, gingivitis, gum disease, cavities, and mouth infections.
Treatment for Dry Mouth: Dry mouth can be treated with oral rinses and artificial saliva products.

Tooth Decay: Tooth decay is actually more common in seniors than in other age groups. Many older patients did not have an adequate fluoride supply in the water when they were younger, have exposed roots that are susceptible to cavities, or are unable to provide proper dental care for themselves.
Treatment for Tooth Decay: Dental fillings, dental crowns, and inlays and onlays.

Gum Disease: The earliest stage of gum disease is gingivitis, which results in red and swollen gums that bleed easily. If gingivitis is left untreated, it progresses to gum disease; this infection will attack the gums, ligaments and bones that support the teeth.
Treatment for Gum Disease: Professional dental cleanings, planing and scaling treatments, antibacterial mouthwashes, flap surgery, bone grafts, and soft tissue grafts.

Tooth Loss: If gum disease is not treated in a timely manner, it will eventually destroy the underlying structures that support the teeth. Tooth loss causes a host of additional problems, including shifting of the remaining teeth, bite misalignment, TMJ disorder, deterioration of the jawbone, and difficulty eating.
Treatment for Tooth Loss: dental bridges, dentures, and dental implants in Orange County.

To schedule an appointment at Caldwell Dental Care, contact our practice today.