Top Oral Health Issues Found in Older People

The older we get, the more susceptible we become to oral health issues like gum disease and tooth decay. Our immune system isn’t able to fight off infections and we may not find much time to visit to the dentist. If oral health issues are left untreated, they can result in serious complications.

Listed below are some of the most common dental problems for older people:

Oral Cancer
Oral Cancer is spotted the most in elderly people. According to American Cancer Society (ACS) more than half of all oral cancer patients are 65 years of age and older. So, the older you get, the more you are at risk and the more important it becomes for you to take care of your oral health.

Oral cancer is easily detectable by lesions found on your tongue. If a lesion or sore is found in your mouth, it is recommended to consult Elgin Dentist TX to have it checked out.

To reduce the risk associated with Oral Cancer, it is important to get regular oral cancer screenings. Oral cancer is treatable only if detected early.

Gum Disease
Gum disease is quite common in older people. It does not have any obvious symptoms. This is the reason people fail to realize until it reaches an advanced level. At the advanced stage, the disease causes the gums to pull away from the teeth, thereby resulting in tooth loss.

People who smoke, or are stressed are more susceptible to developing gum disease. If you notice that your gums are puffier than usual or bleed while brushing, you should see your dentist immediately. They will be able to determine the severity and recommend a treatment based on your needs.

Cavities
According to the research 9 out of 10 elderly people have cavities. Older people are at an increased risk of developing cavities because they take medications that result in dry mouth. When the mouth does not produce enough saliva, it fails to neutralize the acids inside mouth.

Additionally, older people with arthritis also suffer from cavities. Pain in fingers is generally reported while holding onto a toothbrush, thereby preventing them from brushing their teeth accordingly. Wrapping a washcloth along the toothbrush makes it easier to grip.

Tooth Discoloration
As people age, it’s common for their tooth enamel to wear away which leads to tooth discoloration. Tooth discoloration not only affects one’s confidence but also forms plaque and tooth decay. People should opt for professional teeth whitening treatment to brighten their smile.

To minimize the risk of these oral health problems, it is important to take good care of teeth and gums by visiting the dentist regularly.

Contact our dentist at Elgin to know about some of the other ways that can fix these issues in the long run.

Book Appointment to find out which treatment might be best for you.