Pasadena and Deer Park, Texas Senior Citizen Dentist
1. Many Senior Citizens experience “dry mouth.” As one gets older the liquid content of saliva is reduced and saliva has higher mucus content. This creates a less moist mouth. Saliva has many protective functions like washing away food and bacteria and neutralizing acid. Furthermore, some medications, diseases and cancer treatments can lead to dry mouth. Dr.Nugent helps his dry mouth patients by prescribing prescription fluoride toothpaste to better protect your teeth. Also, drinking plenty of water is advised along with chewing sugar free gum sweetened with xylitol.
2. Seniors sometimes have diminished motor skills in their hands due to arthritis. Dr. Nugent will evaluate home care and often recommend an electric tooth brush. Dr. Nugent likes the Sonicare electric tooth brush with UV sanitizer. Also, Dr. Nugent will recommend a water pick to help irrigate and clean the gum tissue if a patient can not floss.
3. Seniors are more likely to have multiple missing teeth or dentures. Dentures need adjustment and cleaning. Dr. Nugent can adjust or reline existing dentures and talk to seniors about upgrading their outdated dentures to advanced Implant Dentures.
Geriatric dentistry, otherwise known as senior dental care, is as unique as the individual receiving the care. There are many determining factors in oral health, such as age, habits, hygiene, and normal wear and tear. Dr. Nugent will take the time needed to comprehensively evaluate elderly patients’ teeth, gums, joints, and soft tissues, and help them with crowns, dentures, bridges, and more. Common dental problems for older patients include dry mouth, stained teeth, gum disease, and ill-fitting dental devices. Our office can also provide insight on taking care of Elderly patient’s needs.
WHAT IS GERIATRIC DENTISTRY?
Senior dental care, which is also called geriatric dentistry, is as special as the person who needs it. Oral health depends on a lot of different things. Geriatric Dentistry is specialized dental care for the needs of senior citizens. Also, a lot of older people have health problems like diabetes, heart disease, dementia, and Alzheimer’s. Seniors with diabetes and heart disease are twice as likely to get gum disease, which is the main reason adults lose their teeth.
COMMON DENTAL PROBLEMS FOR OLDER PATIENTS
During your first full dental checkup, Dr. Nugent will look for common problems.
Here are some of them:
1. No saliva
Some people have health problems that cause dry mouth, but most of the time dry mouth is a side effect of a medicine. Aside from being annoying, dry mouth can make your mouth very susceptible to cavities.
2. Teeth with Stains
The nerve, the dentin, and the enamel are the three parts that make up a tooth. Over time, the top layer of enamel slowly wears away. As the enamel wears down or falls off, the teeth get yellower.
Also, drinking dark drinks like tea and coffee for a long time can damage teeth. The use of tobacco can also be a role.
3. Bad breath
Gum disease is a major and common problem for older people. It is often caused by plaque, tobacco products, and gum disease.
4. Loss of Teeth
One in four people over 65 has lost all of their teeth because of an accident, disease, or decay. Loss of teeth is probably the most common dental problem that older people face.
COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT DENTAL CARE FOR OLDER PEOPLE
Should someone who is 90 go to the dentist?
Absolutely! Everyone, no matter how old they are, needs dental care to stay healthy. One worry of people in their 90s is that if their dentures don’t fit or if they’ve lost a lot of teeth, they won’t be able to eat as much as they used to. Their health gets worse because of this. Seniors must get dental care for the rest of their lives to make sure they get the right nutrition.
How does Senior Dentistry work?
Technically there is no such thing as “senior dentistry” or “geriatric dentistry” in the official sense. But as you get older you have more difficult health problems and oral health problems. Thus, it is good to see a dentist that has experience working with the Senior Citizens.
Why do older people have loose teeth?
Teeth can become loose because of periodontal disease. The more plaque and tartar that builds up on your teeth, the weaker they get. This is why it’s important to go to the dentist regularly for checkups. An experienced dentist will be able to spot problems in your mouth before they get worse and can take care of them right away.