Common Dental Procedures Addressed With Senior Dentistry

Old age is a common reason for tooth loss and other dental issues. Similarly, our senior patients are susceptible to certain medical conditions such as arthritis or stroke, affecting their oral health. For instance, stroke may make it difficult or impossible to perform regular dental practices such as brushing or flossing.

For these reasons, seniors may be unable to provide proper and adequate dental care on their own. This can expose them to serious dental problems such as tooth extraction, tooth decay, infection, gum disease, or periodontitis.  Come see our dentist or hygienist at Sunridge Dental Clinic and we can recommend different types of hygiene products to help.  Such as an electric toothbrush, proxabrushes, floss-thread holder, etc. to assist you or your caretaker to help you to look after your dental hygiene needs.

Fortunately, there’s a way to promote senior’s dental hygiene and health through senior dentistry. Senior dentistry seeks to promote proper dental care and health to older adults through diagnosis, management, prevention, and treatment of dental problems.

Who Qualifies for Senior Dentistry?

Generally, senior dentistry focuses on older adults. Even though you don’t have any dental problems or symptoms, you may still need senior dentistry to promote your dental hygiene and health.

To determine whether you’re eligible for senior dental care, you should visit your dentist for a dental examination. Besides considering your age, your dentist will review your oral condition and health to determine whether you qualify for senior dental care. Contact Sunridge Dental Clinic to speak with a senior dentist about your dental health in T1Y.

Dental Procedures Addressed with Senior Dentistry

www.alberta.ca/dental-optical-assistance-seniors.aspx

If you’re wondering whether you need senior dental care, here are seven reasons why you can visit a senior dental office:

1. Dark Teeth

One of the most profound signs of old age would be dark teeth. Considering the many years of consuming staining foods and beverages, it’s beyond doubt that older adult’s teeth can be stained or discoloured.

Besides staining, dark teeth can signify a serious dental problem such as severe tooth decay or non-vital (previously root canaled) tooth with an abscess. Similarly, as you age, the tooth enamel tends to thin, revealing the darker yellow dentin. Poor dental hygiene, such as poor brushing, can also cause teeth stains, darkening the teeth.

To determine what is causing the dark colour, you should check in with your dentist. Besides diagnosing the condition, your dentist knows best how to resolve or manage the situation.

2. Dry Mouth

Dry mouth is another common oral issue in seniors. While it can occur naturally, in most cases, it’s usually a side effect of medication, both over-the-counter and prescribed medications. Reduced saliva is also a common side effect of cancer treatment that uses radiation to the neck and head area.

Please note that enough saliva is vital in eating and washing away bacteria, fungi, and viruses in the mouth. Besides, lack of enough saliva can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. If you’re experiencing reduced saliva, please talk to your dentist.

3. Heart Disease

According to studies, certain dental problems such as periodontitis can increase your likelihood of a heart attack and stroke. Therefore, if you think you may be at a higher risk of developing heart conditions, it’s essential to maintain proper oral hygiene and care. In addition, visiting your dentist for senior dental care can significantly reduce the risk of suffering from various health illnesses such as stroke, heart disease, and diabetes.

4. Reduced Sense of Taste

When ageing, diseases, medications, and specific medical procedures can impair a patient’s sense of taste. For instance, dentures are linked to a reduced sense of taste. Therefore, you should talk to a dentist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

5. Dentures and Other Dental Procedures

Issues such as teeth loss and chipping are common problems with seniors. If you’re missing several teeth, you can visit your dentist for treatment options to replace these missing teeth with an implant(s), a bridge, or dentures. The dentist can also perform other procedures such as dental crowns, filling, and veneers for discoloured or broken teeth.

After these procedures, proper dental care and hygiene are essential. It would be helpful for a senior to acquire special care as it may be challenging to achieve it independently. After dentures and other dental procedures, poor dental care can encourage dental issues such as gum disease and cavities.

6. Tooth Decay

It’s common for seniors to experience cavities and root decay. These conditions may present ugly symptoms such as severe toothache, tooth sensitivity, swelling, and infections. It’s essential to talk to a dentist as soon as possible if you suspect you have tooth decay. Senior dental care can also help to reduce the risk of developing dental problems.

7. Gum Disease

Poor hygiene is the key contributing factor to gum disease. Gingivitis is caused by plaque build-up in the mouth. Other factors that can increase your likelihood of developing gum disease include tobacco products, poor diet, ill-fitting dentures & bridges, and certain health conditions such as cancer, anemia, and diabetes.

 8. Emergency Senior Dental Care

Senior dental care also involves offering emergency dental services to senior patients. You should see or contact a dentist near you if you need emergency dental care. If you’re looking for senior dentistry in Calgary, contact Sunridge Dental Clinic.

Schedule an Appointment Today

Are you looking for a senior dentist in Northeast Calgary, AB? Contact Sunridge Dental Clinic to schedule your appointment today.