As we age, the nerves in our teeth start shrinking, making them more vulnerable to dental health issues. Some common dental problems faced by seniors in Arizona include cavities, gum disease, dry mouth, and bad breath. It is important to take care of your dental health even when you become 80. It is a lifelong practice.
Poor oral hygiene and improper diet often lead to problems. Therefore, understanding the importance of oral health in seniors is crucial. Regular check-ups with a general dentist in Scottsdale, AZ can detect issues early. Read this blog to learn about the top dental problems faced by Arizona’s elderly population.
Common dental problems with Arizona’s senior populations
Dry mouth
Saliva is responsible for neutralizing acids caused by bacteria in your mouth and helps in keeping your mouth clean. Reduced saliva flow is responsible for causing dry mouth in adults. It can be caused by several factors, including the natural aging process, radiation therapy, certain medications, and autoimmune diseases.
Additionally, Arizona has a dry climate, which increases the chances of dry mouth conditions even more. Changes in taste and difficulty in swallowing are common symptoms of dry mouth. It also increases the risk of mouth sores, developing gum disease, and dental cavities.
To eliminate dry mouth problems, adults are highly advised to drink more water, use oral moisturizers and suck on sugar-free candies to increase the saliva flow.
Gum disease
Research says more than 70% of the adult population in Arizona have gum disease. Gum disease is an infection of the gum tissues, which are responsible for holding and protecting your teeth. It often gets overlooked as it is not painful.
If you notice any blood on your toothbrush while brushing your teeth or flossing, it may be a sign of gingivitis. Always remember that oral bleeding is never normal, even if it is very slight. Visit your dentist immediately.
The gum disease in its early stage is called gingivitis, which can later transform into a more severe condition called periodontitis if not treated in time. Poor oral hygiene habits and diet can often lead to this problem. To avoid gum disease, follow regular dental care, sleep right, and exercise daily.
Tooth decay
Only children and adults are not at risk of developing dental cavities. The senior population may face this problem, too. As seniors have less saliva production, the environment in their mouth gets more acidic and increases the chances of decay and cavities.
There are several factors that can cause tooth decay, including poor diet, poor oral hygiene, smoking or tobacco use, and dry mouth. However, by regularly brushing and flossing, following a nutrition-rich diet, and visiting your dentist frequently, this problem can be tackled.
To protect your teeth from further damage, a dentist may also recommend varnishes or fluoride treatments.
Bad breath
Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is often caused by poor oral hygiene in seniors. Poor brushing and flossing habits can lead to plaque accumulation and result in bad odor.
Additionally, as people age, they may face problems with maintaining proper oral hygiene due to mobility or other issues, elevating the risk of halitosis further. Underlying health conditions such as respiratory infections, gum disease, and digestive issues can also lead to bad breath.
Therefore, make sure to visit your dental hygienist timely and practice good oral hygiene. Your dentist may also recommend specific mouthwashes to combat dry mouth conditions.
Oral cancer
Several risk factors can cause oral cancers in adults, including drinking alcohol, smoking, and tobacco use, poor oral hygiene, and taking medication that can weaken your immune system.
Also, rubbing of the soft tissue of cheeks and gums due to wearing poorly fitted dentures can lead to cancer.
Visit your dentist today!
If you experience mouth sores, tooth pain, dry mouth, or any other oral issues, do not ignore the problem. Schedule an appointment with a dentist in Scottsdale, AZ, today.