BENEFITS AND IMPORTANCE OF PREVENTIVE DENTISTRY

Common Dental Issues for the Elderly

Some of the most common dental issues facing older adults are gum disease, tooth wear, dry mouth, and tooth loss leading to loss of chewing function. Age can also increase the risk of developing oral cancer which can progress quickly with no pain or other symptoms. These problems are not inevitable to aging and can be halted and treated with regular visits to the dentist.

Gum disease is often a painless disease, but some symptoms can include bleeding gums, bad breath, and loss of bone surrounding the teeth. The inflammatory process involved in gum disease has been linked to other systemic diseases like Diabetes, Cardiovascular Disease and Alzheimers. Gum disease can be treated and managed through regular visits to a dental professional. 

Dry Mouth can often increase in older adults due to medication side effects and some systemic diseases. Dry mouth occurs when either there is less saliva or the composition of the saliva changes. This can cause cavities to develop rapidly leading to tooth disease and loss. Those who wear dentures can find it difficult to keep the appliances in without adequate saliva. 

Years of tooth grinding or acid erosion from a disease like acid reflux can cause significant loss of tooth structure, leading to tooth loss, chewing problems, and alter your smile. Tooth loss is not inevitable. 

Regular dental visits can help prevent small problems like cavities from turning into larger issues that require more extensive procedures such as root canals or extractions. When tooth loss does occur, your dentist can discuss replacement options such as dental bridges, implants, or dentures. It is important to replace or fill the space when a tooth is lost as it can affect the surrounding teeth and the ability to chew and digest food. 

Good Oral Hygiene

Good oral hygiene, such as brushing and flossing at least twice a day, can prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Dental treatment can be expensive, so if you want to save money, we recommend caring for your teeth the right way. 

You can maintain good oral health with preventive dentistry. We recommend getting regular checkups; early detection may reduce the need for costly dental treatment. Talk to your doctor and dentist if you have other medical conditions, such as diabetes, to help you better maintain your oral health. 

Services Provided by RGC Dentistry

Visit us if you need help with your teeth. RGC Dentistry offers various dental services, including restorative treatment such as implants, dental sealants, fillings and bridges to restore damaged teeth. Please visit us today or call us to schedule an appointment.