Oral hygiene is essential at all ages, but it’s especially important for the elderly. Since oral health has a significant impact on overall physical health and well-being, the importance of dental care for seniors cannot be understated.
However, many seniors stop maintaining their oral health after a certain time. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a staggering 96% of adults who are 65 or older have had a cavity. Additionally, 20% (1 in 5 older adults) have untreated tooth decay. This article will discuss the importance of dental care for seniors. Continue reading to find out how dental health can affect your overall health.
Tooth Loss
Almost 1 in 5 seniors have lost all their teeth. While many older adults think this isn’t particularly significant, tooth loss affects more than just aesthetics. Missing teeth and needing dentures can greatly impact nutrition and overall health. Many seniors don’t realize the importance of dental care until they lose their teeth. It can adversely affect nutrition and diet when this happens since seniors are forced to stick to soft foods that they can easily chew.
Gum Disease
68% of adults who are 65 or older suffer from gum disease. If left untreated, this condition starts off as gingivitis and evolves into periodontal disease. Oral hygiene for seniors is essential since severe gum disease can cause gum tissue recession, wear away bone, and may even loosen teeth or cause them to fall out. Furthermore, gum disease can lead to infections that can progress into more severe health problems.
Chronic Diseases
Dental care for seniors is critical because of the various chronic diseases they may suffer from. From heart disease to diabetes and arthritis, seniors are prone to many diseases. Poor oral hygiene worsens the situation by adding gum disease to the mix. The existence of chronic disease increases the likelihood of developing periodontal disease, which can cause even more issues and worsen chronic issues by making seniors more prone to infections.
It’s also important to note that there’s a link between heart disease and gum disease. Those with gum disease are more likely to have heart disease. Gum disease can also impact diabetes and the body’s ability to produce insulin. Thus, oral hygiene is essential to prevent these problems.
Pneumonia
Oral hygiene for seniors isn’t just important to protect their oral health. It involves overall well-being. Poor dental care for the elderly can result in bacterial pneumonia, which can have devastating effects on the lungs. One way to counteract this is through proper dental care and oral hygiene for seniors.
Oral Cancer
This type of cancer is usually found in seniors. According to the CDC, the median diagnosis age is 62 years old. Good oral hygiene and dental care for the elderly don’t just include regular brushing and flossing – they also include frequent dental visits. These visits allow your dentist to screen you for diseases like oral cancer.
Assisted living might be one way of ensuring your needs are taken care of, and you have a healthy support system. American Grand has state-of-the-art facilities where you can live independently while still ensuring you have help when you require it. Call us at 920-585-6985 or schedule a tour with us here.