Blog Post

Common Oral Health Issues for Seniors

Gerald M • Aug 16, 2019
senior oral health, oral health issues for seniors

As we get older, virtually every aspect of our health becomes more challenging, including oral health. If you have done everything by the book and have had perfectly healthy teeth, senior years can create oral health problems. In many cases, this has nothing at all to do with your own oral health regimen, but side effects from other illnesses or medications being taken.

As a senior, there are some common oral health issues to be aware of:

Cavities and Decay – for seniors, the decay on the root surface of the teeth can sometimes happen very rapidly, which makes it imperative to brush with fluoride toothpaste as well as using a fluoride mouthwash.

Overly Sensitive – as we get older, our gums start to naturally recede. In many cases, gum problems are actually the cause of tooth sensitivity. As the gums recede, portions of the tooth not protected by enamel are then exposed, making your teeth more sensitive to things such as cold and hot drinks, cold air, and sweeter foods. There are now specialty kinds of toothpaste to address this issue, but you may also want to bring it up with your dentist during your next visit.

Dry Mouth – this is a very common condition for seniors due to the side effects of the many medications used as we get older. This is nothing to take lightly, however, as dry mouth can create significant oral health problems if gone unchecked. If you are experiencing dry mouth on a regular basis, we strongly recommend visiting your dentist to diagnose the condition as well as offering a plan of attack to address the issue.

Impact of Other Health Issues – seniors suffering from health conditions such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease will often also experience oral health problems. If you have been diagnosed with any of these issues, make sure your dentist is aware of them.

Some other things that can contribute to oral health problems for seniors, as well as younger adults, are poor oral hygiene habits, stress, smoking, and poor diet.

It is extremely important to realize even if you are suffering from gum problems, as long as this condition is caught early enough, it can be reversed. So, if you are experiencing bleeding gums, dry mouth, or starting to notice your teeth are overly sensitive, make a dental appointment immediately so your dentist can address the situation and get your oral health program back on track.

Are you in need of a Gahanna OH dentist ? Sampson Dental Group is now accepting new patients. To make an appointment or to learn more about our dental services, please click here.

Dentist in Westerville OH
05 Dec, 2023
Moving to a new city is hard enough, but if you are moving to an entirely different state altogether, the adjustment period might feel like it will never end. You might love everything about Massachusetts, but completely reconfiguring your life can be daunting, even for things seemingly as small as finding the right dentist. You know you want someone qualified, someone who will provide comprehensive dental services, and someone who will see you as more than just a number. You are likely thinking, “Is there someone close by who has everything I want from my dentist?” Hopefully, you will have an easier time after considering the following points. Experience and Qualifications It is always smart to check out how long a dental professional has been practicing, the number of professional associations they have affiliated themselves with, and, for extra clarification, the university or college your prospect chose for their dental school. In addition to the length of time your potential dentist has been operating, it is also wise to ask how much experience they have with each aspect of dentistry and how long they’ve performed in those various areas. Patient Reviews When choosing a new dentist, especially in an area you have just moved to, it is an absolute necessity that you check online reviews and ratings to get a better understanding of how patients like you feel about the practice and what they have experienced sitting in the chair. You can find out about the level of professionalism and kindness from the staff, how cleaned up the office is, and, perhaps most importantly, whether the office’s priority is simply getting bills paid or making sure their patients receive quality dental care. Offered Services This may seem like an obvious suggestion, but you should be sure the dental professional you choose offers the kind of services you want and need—whether it is just general check-ups and cleanings, children’s dentistry, or something more complicated like restorative dentistry or Invisalign. Since dental care will be a part of our lives until the very end, building strong relationships with patients is important to us at Sampson Dental Group. You may not need a dental implant today, but the future could very well call for one, and, at the very least, the option is available for older family members. We are proud to provide the full scope of dental services for all patients—from seniors to kids to everybody in between. Logistics  We know it can be frustrating to fight traffic anywhere, especially if the dentist you are driving to is out of the way. Fortunately, Sampson Dental Group has three convenient locations in Gahanna, Granville, Powell and Westerville, and you can always make an appointment at a time that’s most convenient for you. We can’t wait to meet you, so fill out or contact form and our office will be in touch with you ASAP.
Sampson Dental
05 Dec, 2023
For many individuals, their next dental appointment may be their first. A far too common thought process is if you are brushing twice daily and flossing, there is simply no need to go to the dentist. That, obviously, is wrong. Regardless of how strict of an oral hygiene regimen you have on your own, bi-yearly dental visits are imperative to ensure good oral health. Now, since it may have been some time since you last visited a dentist or it is your first visit, here are some tips on how to prepare for a visit to the dentist’s office: Learn How to Brush Properly For as long as most of us can remember, we have been brushing our teeth. The question is, though, are you brushing your teeth the right way? Here are the basics in how to brush your teeth properly: · Use soft-bristled brush · After adding toothpaste to the brush, place the brush at the gumline at a 45-degree angle and brush gums before brushing your teeth · When done along the gumline, focus on brushing the front of the teeth before doing the rear · The brush should move vertically across the teeth rather than horizontally (this helps remove plaque from all angles) · Ensure you reach the rear of your mouth to brush the molars (which are often missed, creating the biggest problems for dental visits) Flossing Properly After you have brushed and rinsed, it is time to floss. This will ensure the small food particles left behind and wedged between teeth and under gumlines are removed. Start flossing at the rear bottom, slipping the floss between the teeth and gently moving it upwards. Once the lower level is done, repeat the process on the upper level. For even better results, invest in a water flosser, as they are far more effective than using standard floss. Using Mouthwash The use of a proper mouthwash is just as vital as the first two steps. Today, there are so many varieties and brands, it is virtually impossible not to find something both effective and palatable. You may want to discuss a specific brand with your dentist to ensure you are using a mouthwash most compatible with your needs/concerns. When rinsing, swish a small amount of mouthwash around vigorously for about a minute, then spit out. Looking for a new Westerville OH dentist? Sampson Dental Group is now accepting new patients and we would love for you to become part of our dental family. For more information about our services or to make an appointment, please click here .
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