Caring for an Elderly Person's Teeth is Different Than Our Own
Posted on 7/7/2020 by Office - Boone DMD
There are quite a few things that change about a person as they grow older, and past a certain point, the way dental hygiene is done changes as well.
Growing old does not always mean that all of your teeth fall out and are replaced with dentures. For the older folks that have their set of teeth intact, there are certain things to know regarding some of the differences between elderly dental care from “young people's” dental care.
Older People Are More Prone To Dry Mouth Due to Reliance On Medication
Many elderly people rely on medication to treat high blood pressure, asthma, or the other host of conditions that affect people around the world. What these medications bring are side effects with one of them being dry mouth.
This means that keeping up a moisturized mouth to help prevent cavities and gum disease becomes important with many older adults who take these pills. And one of the best ways to keep a mouth hydrated is by drinking plenty of water. Experts recommend that people who are prone to dry mouth carry a water bottle with them so that they are able to hydrate both their bodies and mouths when needed. Sugar-free gum also helps by stimulating saliva. If you are caring for an elderly person, ensure to remind them to stay hydrated throughout the day.
Aging Means Higher Risk For Problems
Many elderly people lose their teeth due to a lifetime of built-up neglected dental hygiene; it is important that no matter their age, a person needs to at least brush twice a day with flossing once a day strongly encouraged. We also recommend the use of an electric toothbrush, especially if the user faces arthritis.
If you have any additional questions or need to book an appointment for yourself or a loved one, simply give our office a call during open hours. We are here to help everybody.
There are quite a few things that change about a person as they grow older, and past a certain point, the way dental hygiene is done changes as well.