Visiting the dentist every six months for dental checkups and to have your teeth professionally cleaned is key to keeping your smile in good condition. This is even more important for seniors, who are especially vulnerable to dental health issues like gum disease and tooth loss. If you have an older family member who lives in an assisted living facility, read on to learn three reasons why it’s so crucial to ensure that they receive routine dental care.
#1: Catch Dental Issues in the Early Stages
Though many patients think their bi-yearly dental visits are optional, this isn’t the case. Even if they don’t think they have any oral health issues, it’s still important to make sure your loved one sees their dentist twice per year. For one, not all oral health issues can be detected with the naked eye. Their dentist will have special equipment that can detect issues beneath the surface.
They will also get an oral cancer screening during their visits, which is more treatable if discovered early on. Additionally, dental cleanings will get rid of plaque and tartar that have built up on their smile. This will lessen their risk of decay and other oral health problems.
#2: Promote Good Overall Health
There are several issues that may start in the mouth and travel to other parts of the body. For example, untreated infections like gum disease can get into the flood stream and cause things like cardiovascular issues. Gum disease can be treated with periodontal therapy and can even be reversed if caught early enough. If the infection is in their tooth, this can only be treated with a root canal, which is a virtually painless procedure.
#3: Address Tooth Loss Directly
Over 27% of adults ages 65 and older don’t have any teeth. While this can make it difficult to feel comfortable and confident in your appearance, it can also make it impossible to chew and speak correctly. Routine dental visits or a key part of senior oral health since they allow their dentist to determine what tooth replacement option is the best one for their needs and lifestyle.
As you can see, senior oral health care is incredibly important. If you are a family member of a loved one who is living in an assisted living facility, make sure that they are going to biannual dental visits. This will promote a lovely smile, a healthy body, and a better overall quality of life!
About the Author
Dr. Spiro Saati is a highly skilled oral health professional who treats patients in Peabody as well as the surrounding communities. He enjoys giving patients the confidence they need to love their smiles through a range of preventive, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency treatments. He also understands the importance of senior oral health care and can help your loved ones keep their smiles in good condition. Call (978) 531-2185 to make an appointment with Dr. Saati or visit his website to learn more about his services.