Oral health is essential for every age group. Still, senior dental care is critical because aging may make you more vulnerable to varying degrees of gum disease and other dental problems.
To get the best senior dental care, trust a team that personalizes care to every patient, like the dedicated dental team at Charming Smiles of La Quinta.
Dental Hygiene for Seniors
Charming Smiles of La Quinta works diligently to provide the best oral care for seniors by promoting proper oral hygiene practices and regular cleanings to every patient. Since aging gums are more susceptible to gum disease, it’s imperative that seniors prioritize brushing and flossing their teeth twice daily and use an alcohol-free antiseptic mouthwash.
In addition to these daily practices, seniors should schedule regular cleanings at least twice per year to help prevent any unnecessary plaque and tartar buildup and tooth decay. Typically this cleaning doesn’t come at any extra cost because it’s taken care of by dental coverage plans.
How Teeth Change with Age
As someone ages, their bone density and bone strength tend to decline. When this occurs, your teeth may experience breaks, chips, damage, and decay when this loss of strength occurs.
In addition to the loss of density and strength, the teeth may become affected by other diseases, like osteoporosis and dementia. With osteoporosis, tooth loss and jaw bone problems may occur, which require professional dental intervention.
With diseases like Alzheimer’s, patients can easily forget to partake in their dental hygiene procedures, leaving their teeth vulnerable to decay and infection.
Common Oral Care Problems
If you need senior dental care, you should note some of the most common oral care problems that affect this population. Continue reading on to explore some of these potential oral health complications.
Dry Mouth
Another common oral care concern from seniors is dry mouth. This sensation occurs due to decreased saliva production, leaving many feeling dehydrated. Others report an irritating sensation in their mouths or throat. If dry mouth persists, our dentists have specific mouth rinses that may help.
Periodontitis
Periodontitis is the more advanced stage of gum disease which negatively affects your gum tissue and can spread infection into the bloodstream. Some causes of gum disease include excess plaque buildup due to poor hygiene or poorly fitted dentures and implants.
Oral Cancer
Most oral cancer cases occur in patients over 62 years old. With this in mind, a quality senior dental care team, like Charming Smiles of La Quinta, offers patients early oral cancer screenings to prevent and treat any mouth cancer immediately.
Choose Dentists You Can Trust in La Quinta, CA
For premier senior dental care that prioritizes your oral health, trust the dental professionals at Charming Smiles of La Quinta. Their team knows how to work with your dental insurance to get the services you need, and they take great care in providing personalized treatments to all seniors.
Call Charming Smiles of La Quinta today at (760) 354-8376 to schedule an appointment for premier senior dental care!
