The Importance Of Senior Oral Health Care

Everyone Deserves a Beautiful Smile, No Matter Their Age

Taking care of your teeth is important at any age, but especially after 60. Over the course of the years, your body will naturally begin to wear down. This can, at times, make it hard to keep healthy, sometimes pushing dental health priorities to the backburner. The best way to prevent this is to maintain a healthy diet, lifestyle, regular dental checkups, and good general health. However, we understand that it can be hard to keep up with sometimes, so we offer a number of cosmetic dental services to help restore any lost brilliance in your smile.

Does Age Affect Dental Health?

While just aging naturally will not have a negative effect on your oral health, certain medical conditions can affect your ability to properly care for your teeth. Many unexpected changes may occur throughout our lives that can damage your teeth and gums, such as diabetes. We take care to understand any potential health problems that may be impairing the oral health of our senior patients. Even if you keep up with regular brushing, flossing, cleanings, and checkups, you may still encounter some issues due to medications and general health conditions that seniors face.

Caring For Senior Teeth and Gums

Thankfully, you and your dentist can discuss preventative measures that you can take to preserve the strength of your teeth and bones. At Beaufils Dental, we offer our patients complete health dentistry, which means that we take into consideration all aspects of your health – including your joints, muscles, and organs – to understand the causes of any oral conditions and how they can best be treated. For patients who have lost teeth over the years, we also offer a variety of implant solutions to suit your unique needs.

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Understanding Common Symptoms

Most adults over 60 may face some general oral problems at some point in their life. These are some of the common issues:

Tooth sensitivity. Over time, your gums naturally recede, leaving sensitive areas of your teeth exposed to things like cold or hot liquids and foods. Talk to your dentist to find an anti-sensitivity toothpaste that works for you. If you find the problem does not subside, it may signify a deeper problem.
Cavities. Developing decay and cavities on the root surfaces of the teeth are also more likely in your later years. This may be due to receding gums causing bacteria to attack areas of your teeth without enamel.
Dry mouth. This may be a side effect of certain medications or medical conditions. Because saliva is so important to clean out your mouth, dry mouth can cause damage to your teeth and mouth if left untreated.
Health conditions. Living with medical issues such as cardiovascular disease or rheumatoid arthritis can affect your ability to care for your teeth and cause chemical changes in your mouth. Conditions like oral cancer can also affect your health, so it is important to be candid with both your dentist and general practitioner about your medical history.
Tooth loss. Our bones and jaw muscles tend to weaken over time. When coupled with other oral or general health conditions, it can cause your teeth to fall out or be extracted.

Options for Adults Over 60

Dr. Beaufils prides himself on offering all-inclusive dental services to patients of all ages. We strive to teach every member of the family proper dental health care skills to combat gum disease. Patients who require expert dental care can rely on our dedicated staff to help them explore their options. Contact our Cooper City office today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Beaufils!