Senior adults account for nearly 20 percent of the adult population, and their numbers are growing. Better nutrition and health care mean many of our senior parents are living well into their 80s or 90s. If you have a senior parent in your life, you know how important it is to check in on their health. Did you think about checking in on their dental health? Here are some tips for checking in with your senior parent about their teeth and gums.
The Most Common Senior Dental Issues
Tooth Decay
The most common senior dental issue is the most common dental issue for all humans - tooth decay. The difference between children, adults, and seniors is that one in five seniors has a cavity that has not been treated. There are several theories as to why seniors have untreated dental caries. Some seniors are not sensitive to tooth pain the way younger adults are. Tooth pain is one of the warning signals for cavities, so it is possible your parent may not know they have a cavity until there is major damage to the tooth.
Gum Disease
Gum disease is another issue your senior parent may have. Nearly 70 percent of all seniors have gum disease. There are three stages of gum disease. The first stage of gum disease, gingivitis, is easily treated, so the earlier you can diagnose gum disease, the faster it can be treated. If the gum disease is in a later stage, it is important they get deep gum cleanings to keep the disease under control. Untreated gum disease leads to tooth loss and the spread of inflammation in other areas of the body.
Chronic Disease and Dental Issues
Many senior adults have at least one chronic issue, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or lung disease, that they receive treatment for. While you want your senior parent to remain as healthy as possible, you need to make sure the dentist is aware of chronic disease and any medications being taken because it may alter their treatment plan.
Does your senior parent need a new dentist? Reach out to us to set up an appointment today!
Senior adults account for nearly 20 percent of the adult population, and their numbers are growing. Better nutrition and health care mean many of our senior parents are living well into their 80s or 90s. If you have a senior parent in your life, you know how important it is to check in on their health. Did you think about checking in on their dental health? Here are some tips for checking in with your senior parent about their teeth and gums.