Dr. Nugent is one of Pasadena’s most experienced Senior dentists. He is very experienced in treating seniors and helping them with choices about their dental care.
Pasadena, Texas Dental Care for Seniors
Advancing age puts many seniors at risk for a number of oral health problems such as the following:
- Root decay: This is caused by exposure of the tooth root to decay-causing acids. The tooth roots become exposed as gum tissue recedes from the tooth. The root surface is much weaker than the top of the tooth so cavities can for very quickly on the roots of teeth.
- Gum Disease: This is a bacterial infection of the gum tissue. Gum disease is caused by plaque and is made worse by food left in teeth, use of tobacco products, poor-fitting bridges and dentures, poor diets, and certain diseases.
- Tooth loss: Gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss.
- Uneven jawbone: This is caused by tooth loss and the jawbone resorbing after tooth loss.
- Denture-induced stomatitis: This is inflammation of the tissue underlying a denture. Ill-fitting dentures, poor dental hygiene, or a buildup of the fungus Candida Albicans cause this condition.
- Dry mouth: Dry mouth is caused by reduced saliva flow, which can be a result of cancer treatments that use radiation to the head and neck area, as well as certain diseases, such as Sjögren’s syndrome, and medications.
- Diminished sense of taste: While advancing age impairs the sense of taste, diseases, medications, and dentures can also contribute to this sensory loss.
- Thrush: Diseases or drugs that affect the immune system can trigger the overgrowth of the fungus Candida albicans in the mouth.
Aging itself is not a dominant or sole factor in determining oral health. Nevertheless, medical conditions such as arthritis in the hands and fingers may make brushing or flossing teeth difficult to impossible to perform. Medications can also affect your oral health and may make a change in your dental treatment necessary.
Oral Hygiene Tips for Seniors
Daily brushing and flossing of your natural teeth is essential to keeping them in good oral health. Plaque can build up quickly on the teeth of seniors, especially if oral hygiene is neglected, and lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
To maintain good oral health, it’s important for all individuals to:
- Brush at least twice a day with a fluoride-containing toothpaste
- Floss at least once a day
- Visit your dentist on a regular schedule for cleaning and an oral exam
Come see why Dr. Nugent has been voted Best Pasadena, Texas Dentist multiple times. Visit our office at 3421 Burke Rd STE A, Pasadena, Texas 77504.