5 Dental Problems Where Geriatric Dentistry in Laguna Woods in Needed

Health is wealth, which is more true than ever in later life. Older people, like many other ailments, develop dental problems. It is important to note that poor oral health is the root cause of many diseases. A medical condition such as arthritis can cause severe pain, brushing or caring for one's oral health difficulties. In that sense, many common dental problems can be attributed to this. As a result, the significance of oral health cannot be overstated. But, before you do that, you should be aware of the following common dental problems in the elderly. The following are the most common dental issues that need geriatric dentistry in Laguna Woods:

Common dental problems in elderly

1. Dry Mouth

The body's ability to produce saliva decreases with age. As a result, an elderly person's mouth does not produce as much saliva as it used to. This condition is aggravated in many people by the medication they are taking. The dry mouth becomes a fairly common dental problem in the elderly as a result of both of these factors. As the condition worsens, swallowing food becomes difficult because they must chew it for too long, and swallowing dry food becomes inconvenient. 

The body requires more nutrition as we age, and if we don't get it, our health suffers. As a result, it is recommended that the elderly drink warm water frequently throughout the day to keep their mouth from drying out.

2. Bad Breath

When someone has a dry mouth, they almost always have bad breath. Bad breath also makes it difficult for family members to care for the elderly at home because they must be close to the elderly regularly. In the elderly, it is sometimes due to a denture problem. Prolonged use of dentures causes inflammation in the mouth's delicate tissues, leading to bad breath.

3. Tooth Decay

Tooth decay becomes one of the most common dental problems as people age. At this age, slow tooth decay can cause infection, pain, and, in some cases, tooth loss. This is caused by the gradual accumulation of plaque and tartar. When a person fails to brush properly, cavities form over time, leading to tooth decay. Among all the different teeth problems, this one is primarily caused by another issue. Dental professionals like 7 Day Dental advise the elderly to use fluoride-based toothpaste.

4. Receding Gum

Receding gums are a common dental issue among the elderly. The most common causes of gum recession are smoking, teeth grinding, poor dental hygiene, and family history. Help the elderly in your home quit smoking. Untreated gum recession increases the risk of gum disease and tooth decay.

5. Oral Sores

Oral sores are the most common dental disease and disorder in the elderly. The likelihood of developing oral sores increases with age. The risk is even greater for someone who regularly smokes and/or drinks. If not treated promptly, this can lead to oral cancer. That is why you should seek medical attention if the ulcers in your mouth persist or if the color of the skin around your teeth changes.

You can also click here to find professional home care services to care for your elderly at home because it is always elders first for them.