Blog

he American Dental Association recommends everyone over the age of 2 sees their dentist at least twice a year for a cleaning and checkup. Unfortunately, for adults in assisted living facilities, regular visits with a dentist for seniors in South Austin may not seem like a priority; however, this couldn’t be further from the truth. The elderly are at risk of certain dental issues that can affect their oral and general health. Here’s why it’s crucial seniors visit their dentist at least every 6 months.

POWER OF PREVENTION

Despite the latest advancements in dentistry, tooth loss is still a common problem. It’s estimated at least 27% of adults over the age of 65 have lost all their natural teeth. An incomplete smile can make it almost impossible to maintain a balanced diet, which can lead to nutritional deficiencies that harm a person’s overall health.

Semi-annual dental appointments can keep certain oral health issues at bay to prevent tooth loss, like cavities and gum disease. Seniors are at a higher risk of tooth decay because their enamel is thinner from years of wear and tear. They also have an increased likeliness of gum disease from receding gum lines, preexisting conditions, and certain medications. A routine dental cleaning removes harmful buildup that can lead to decay and gum disease to preserve the natural smile.

BENEFIT FROM EARLY DETECTION

Regular checkups with a dentist are vital for senior oral health in South Austin. The dentist can monitor a person’s dental health to detect concerning areas sooner to prevent them from worsening, like gum disease. With the infection linked to increasing the risk of several health issues, like cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer’s disease, it’s important the infection is treated quickly to safeguard both oral and overall health.

REPLACE MISSING TEETH

Although missing teeth can occur at any age, people over the age of 65 are the most likely to have partial or complete tooth loss. Thankfully, there are many solutions to replace lost teeth. Besides traditional bridges, partials, and dentures, many seniors are candidates for dental implants. A dentist will choose the most suitable solution to restore a beautiful, functional smile.

SUPPORT ORAL HYGIENE HABITS FOR SENIORS

Many seniors in assisted living facilities may deal with certain situations that can prevent them from adequately brushing and flossing their teeth. Besides regular dental care from a dentist, it’s best to create the right accommodations for an effective home oral hygiene routine.

Better oral health can improve a person’s quality of life. It’s best to always strive for excellence when caring for an elderly loved one’s teeth and gums.

About Dr. Jack Fan

Dr. Fan earned his dental degree at New York College of Dentistry and regularly continues his training to treat complex oral health issues. Dr. Fan provides geriatric services to help the older members of our community maintain healthy smiles. If you or a loved one need dental care for seniors, contact our office today to schedule an appointment.