As we get older, the physiological decline of our body is inevitable. This includes our oral health, which plays a significant role in determining our quality of life and overall health and wellbeing. The older we get, the higher the risk of being plagued with oral issues such as tooth decay and loss, gum disease and oral cancers. As such, proper dental care needs to be prioritised during this stage of life.
The importance of dental care among the elderly
#1: Keeps tooth decay & loss at bay
Older adults tend to suffer from dry mouth due to the consumption of medications for managing their health. This makes them more susceptible to tooth decay, which could lead to tooth loss.
#2: Prevents gum disease
Gum disease is a prevalent problem among the elderly, and can lead to sore and bleeding gums, chewing problems and tooth loss. Additionally, those suffering from gum disease are also at an increased risk of having a heart attack, stroke or other serious cardiovascular incident. Many people are not aware that they have gum disease until it is at an advanced stage.
#3: Ensures better overall health
The mouth is a potential orifice for a host of bacteria that are linked with chronic medical conditions including cardiovascular, cerebrovascular and respiratory diseases. In fact, the bacteria that cause gingivitis in the gums can travel around the body via the blood vessels, possibly causing blood vessel inflammation and damage, blood clots, heart attack and strokes.
#4: Facilitates good quality of life
Did you know that your oral health can also determine your quality of life? Poor oral health can affect one’s ability to eat a variety of foods and their nutritional intake. For example, an elderly person with missing teeth may not be able to enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables. The discomfort stemming from poor oral health may also disrupt their sleep and rest, as well as their appearance, self-confidence and ability to communicate effectively.
You’re never too old to get proper dental care. If you have bad and/or missing teeth, consider an Advanced Dental Implant (ADI), a highly effective dental restoration procedure to help you regain your smile, health and lifestyle. At SmileBay, we use the internationally acclaimed Straumann implants so you can be sure that you are getting a long-lasting and high performance solution. It’s the next best thing to your natural teeth!
