A Guide to Senior Dental Health from Dentiq Dentistry: Addressing Dry Mouth, Gum Disease, and Dentures

Oral health is something that gets pushed aside as we become older. However, it is crucial to overall health. The elderly have unique dental problems, such as dry mouth, gum disease, and dentures. As the body ages, good oral health is required in order to have an active, comfortable lifestyle.

We at Dentiq Dentistry strive to assist the elderly in getting past these issues with personalized dental care. Our team is qualified and professional in the intricacies of elder dental care and works to maintain your smile healthy, functional, and beautiful. 

Learning About Dry Mouth in Seniors

What is Dry Mouth?

Dry mouth, or xerostomia, is a situation where there is a decrease in saliva production. In seniors, it’s a common condition, generally caused by medications, aging, or other illnesses such as diabetes.

How Dry Mouth Affects Oral Health

A lack of saliva can lead to difficulty speaking, swallowing, and tasting food. It also increases the risk of cavities and gum disease due to reduced natural cleaning of the mouth.

Tips to Manage Dry Mouth

Treatment of dry mouth involves hydration, sugar-free chewing gum, and the use of special oral products. Saliva substitutes and mouthwashes are usually recommended by dentists to treat pain and avoid decay. Dental visits every six months can help track this condition and its impact on the dental health of seniors.

Gum Disease in Seniors: Prevention and Treatment

What is Gum Disease?

Periodontal or gum disease begins with gingivitis, which can progress to periodontitis if not treated. Gingivitis leads to gum inflammation, while periodontitis can result in tooth loss and bone loss.

Why Seniors Are More Susceptible

Weaken the immune system with age, and therefore infections are hard to fight. Poor oral hygiene, dry mouth, and certain illnesses like heart disease are also factors that raise the risk of gum disease.

Signs of Gum Disease in Seniors

Search for symptoms such as bleeding, swollen gums, receding gums, and bad breath. According to a professional dentist in Houston, these are signs of gum disease and should prompt dental evaluation.

Prevention and Treatment Options

Prevention of periodontal disease is done by brushing daily, flossing, and visiting the dentist for regular cleanings. More advanced cases may need professional interventions, such as deep cleaning or gum surgery. An elderly dental care specialist can provide personalized care to correct gum disease at an early stage and prevent future complications.

Dentures: A Solution for Seniors with Missing Teeth

Why Dentures Are Common for Seniors

As we age, tooth loss is inevitable for all of us. Dentures replace missing teeth and improve appearance, speech, and oral function.

Types of Dentures Available

Full dentures replace all teeth, while partial dentures replace gaps created by missing teeth. Implant-supported dentures provide added stability through attachment to dental implants, giving a more permanent solution.

Caring for Dentures

Proper denture care is daily oral hygiene with a soft toothbrush and soaking overnight. Proper fit and function are maintained by an adept dentist in Houston through regular dental checkups to prevent irritation and soreness.

How Dentiq Dentistry Supports Senior Dental Health

Personalized Dental Care for Seniors

At Dentiq Dentistry, we offer individualized dental care to address the special needs of seniors. From dry mouth prevention to gum disease control, our professionals are dedicated to fulfilling senior dental care needs at every level.

Comprehensive Check-ups and Screenings

Routine dental examination is necessary to identify any possible issues early, including dry mouth, gum disease, or the necessity for dentures. Our comprehensive examination keeps seniors ahead of dental-related issues and promotes oral health that lasts a lifetime.

Maintaining elder oral care encompasses treatment for dry mouth, periodontal disease, and dentures. Regular visits ensure maximum treatment. Schedule an appointment at Dentiq Dentistry for a personalized solution to your oral care.