Five Common Senior Dental Problems

As we age, our dental needs change. This is due not only to age itself, but to a slew of developments that have a great impact on the health of our teeth, gums and dental function. From introducing new medications, to the long-term consequences of lifestyle choices, our dental well-being often needs some extra attention as we get older. Here are five common dental problemsencountered by senior patients:

Dry Mouth

Having a dry mouth isn’t just uncomfortable and irritating, it’s actually a health concern that can have a huge impact on health. A common side effect when taking medication, dry mouth is caused by a lack of saliva flow. This lack of saliva means food remnants and bacteria are not washed away and take up residence in between teeth and under the gum line, and. acids that cause tooth decay are not naturalized as quickly. Without saliva flow, teeth absorb fewer protective, nurturing minerals like calcium and fluoride. Ultimately, dry mouth can lead to tooth decay and multiple cavities.

Darkened Teeth

Darkening teeth is the change we see in dentin as we age. Dentin is the like tissue that lies underneath tooth enamel. Dentin can gradually darken due to life-long habits, such as tobacco use, stain-causing foods and drinks, and even dead teeth.

Gum Disease

Gum disease is a highly prevalent condition experienced by a large percentage of the adult population. Caused by bacteria in plaque, gum disease inflames and irritates gums, resulting in swelling, bleeding, bad breath and more. Advanced gum disease can destroy bone and gums, and even cause teeth to become loose or fall out. It has been linked to many health conditions and diseases including heart disease, diabetes and stroke. To avoid gum disease, dentists recommend annual or bi-annual professional cleanings, depending on the patient’s dental needs and health.

Diminished Taste

Full dentures – a common restorative appliance for seniors – can block the palate, affecting the way we taste our food. As people age, taste buds tend to lose their strength, but when coupled with dentures, it can change the way seniors view eating, diminishing quality of life. Routine visits to a dentist will help to maintain oral health and can potentially stop or prolong the need for full dentures.

Oral Cancer

According to the American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org) approximately 39,500 people will be diagnosed with oral cancer this year. Of those, an estimated 7,500 people will die from the disease. Oral cancer becomes more prevalent with age, which is why regular dental visits are vital for your health. With regular screenings cancerous regions can be detected and more successfully treated.

Maintaining oral health through at-home hygiene care and routine dental appointments will help to prevent many types of dental problems. Schedule an appointment with our Scottsdale dentist, Dr. Marcia Blazer to receive the gentle care that you deserve to treat and prevent common dental problems that can arise from the natural aging process 

5 Ways to Protect the Health of Your Child's Teeth

Children who adopt good oral care habits are more likely to maintain them as they grow up, so it's important to emphasize oral health, even for very young children. Taking good care of primary (baby) teeth also helps to ensure that adult teeth grow in correctly. Here are five ways to protect your child's teeth, and ensure they grow up with healthy oral hygiene habits.

Monitor Their Brushing Habits

Regular brushing and flossing is essential for good oral health, so it's crucial to start these habits early, and monitor brushing and flossing so that it's being done effectively. Children can typically start to learn brushing at around 3 years of age, although they'll need help with flossing until the age of 9 or 10.

Teach Healthy Food Choices

The foods we eat play a big role in shaping our oral health. For example, a diet that's high in sugar encourages bacterial growth. Similarly, the failure to regularly include certain essential minerals in your child’s diet can affect the development of adult teeth. As a result, it is important to teach children about making healthy food choices, and about the connection between nutrition and their bodies.

Encourage Drinking Water

Encouraging your child to drink plenty of water is highly beneficial. In addition to being a healthy alternative to sugary soda and juices, drinking plenty of water can help ensure good hydration. This in turn ensures the mouth is able to produce saliva, which contains compounds that help to slow the growth of bacteria between meals.

Visit Your Dentist Twice a Year

Establishing a good at-home oral care and effective dental hygiene regimens are essential to keeping small smiles bright and healthy. Additionally, your child should be visiting the family dentist twice a year for routine cleanings and check-ups. These regular visits are incredibly important as they allow the dentist to look for changes that might indicate a dental problem. Professional cleanings also allow dentists to remove tartar build-up and keep your child’s teeth and gums in great shape.

Ask Your Dentist about Protective Treatments

Primary teeth are more susceptible to decay than adult teeth are. As a result, it is important to provide children’s teeth with extra protection. Your dentist can help promote healthy smiles by providing fluoride treatments and sealants that reduce the risk of cavities.

Your Dentist is here to Help

To help keep small smiles healthy, Dr. Marcia Blazer provides a range of preventive dental procedures tailored to children. Contact our Scottsdale dental office to schedule your next appointment today.