Dental Care for Seniors is Important
Did you know that the health of your mouth often affects the health of your entire body? In fact, dental and health professionals believe that a lot of health problems can be better managed by simply taking better care of your teeth and gums. Seniors are especially susceptible to problems of the mouth and sometimes issues can be overlooked. This can potentially cause a lot of problems.
Oral Health Problems in Seniors
- Gum Disease – This is caused by plaque and food that is left in the teeth. Gum disease is typically a precursor to tooth loss. It is a very serious issue as there has been a link found between gum disease and other major health problems, like high blood pressure, heart disease, and more.
- Root Decay – When we eat foods that have acids in them, they affect our teeth. From the enamel of our teeth all the way to the root. When the root is exposed to these acids, it can begin to decay. This not only cause pain, but can also lead to serious infections. Roots are often exposed due to receding gum line.
- Cavities – No one enjoys going to the dentist and hearing that they have cavities. Seniors are more likely to get cavities due to the infrequency of brushing, poor diet, and age. In assisted living communities, seniors can request help to brush their teeth if it becomes too difficult. This can ensure that teeth are kept in good health.
The Ways Age Affects Dental Health
Unfortunately, age can come with a lot of various health problems. For the most part, certain health issues aren’t thought of to be related to dental health. Take arthritis for example: if you have it in your hands and fingers, then you’re more likely to feel pain when trying to brush your teeth. This can result in people brushing less due to pain.
Another issue is something that is a result of genetics. Certain people are genetically inclined to have dental problems. The only way to battle genetics is to simply be more aware and brush, floss, and visit the dentist frequently.
Let’s face it, we all want our teeth to be pearly white so that when we smile we light up the room. As we age, unfortunately, our teeth tend to darken. This is due to both internal and external factors. The internal factors are because of the dentin in our teeth (bone-like tissue under the enamel), changes with age. Externally, our choices of foods, drinks, and more can affect tooth appearance. If you smoke, drink dark liquids like coffee or cola, chances are your teeth will begin to change color. This can be prevented by simply changing what you eat and drink, and quitting smoking. You can also see your dentist for teeth whitening procedures.
Ways to Improve Dental Health
If you’re part of a Bonaventure Senior Living community, be it retirement living, assisted living, or memory care, you enjoy a vast assortment of food, coffee, sweets, and tea. Making sure that you brush at least twice a day, if not after every meal and snack, can help prevent any dental health problems you could have.
In assisted living and memory care, sometimes brushing is not an option. In fact, in can be either extremely painful or impossible, depending on the person and situation. But with assisted living and memory care, there’s help when you need it. Making sure that teeth brushing is part of your care plan can be essential to preventing issues.
If you wear dentures, make sure that you clean them daily. Removing them at night is good as it lets your mouth rest from the pressure of the dentures and allows time for them to get clean.
Conclusion
It’s very important that the health of your mouth is taken with as much, and sometimes more, seriousness as the health of the rest of your body. There may often be a disconnect between body health and mouth health, but don’t forget, the two are quite connected and one can certainly affect the other. Make sure you talk to your health professional if you need any advice about dental health care.
Bonaventure Senior Living
At Bonaventure Senior Living, we have Retirement Perfected, Living Perfected, Dining Perfected, and Fitness Perfected. The best way to see for yourself is to Book-A-Tour today and discover how you can live life on your own terms. We specialize in Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care, that way, no matter what your current situation is, we have all levels of care covered if your needs ever change.
Independent Living
With Independent Living, we want you to enjoy Simplified Living, allowing you to have the freedom to do what makes you happy. Our Independent Living is designed to accommodate the exceptional senior lifestyle that you’ve earned. What’s even better, is that with Independent Living we offer whatever supportive services that you may need at any time you may need them. Now that’s Retirement Perfected.
Assisted Living
Assisted Living at Bonaventure Senior Living is simple: all the lifestyle benefits of our Independent Living, but with any extra support that you may need. Our philosophy is based on three simple things: choice, independence, and dignity. Now that’s Assisted Living at its finest.
Memory Care
Every senior is a unique person, and our Memory Care approach is no different. We tailor our Memory Care by connecting with family members and taking time to understand each person’s specific circumstances. This includes mental, emotional, and physical health. Our Memory Care creates an honorable and professional plan to make sure that each person lives their life to the fullest. That’s the way Memory Care should be.
