FAQs
Neglecting your teeth will not only cause bad oral health but will cause problems with your general health as well. Some problems that will result from this neglect, especially in people over the age 60 are:
- Darkened teeth
- Dry mouth
- Tooth decay
- Gum disease
- Teeth loss
- Thrush
Yes, you should go to the dentist even if you don’t have any natural teeth left. This is because:
- You need to maintain your oral health, especially the tongue and gums
- Adjust the dentures’ fit, if required
- replace the dentures or do maintenance, if necessary
Poor oral health and oral infections may lead to heart and lung diseases, diabetes, and even stroke.
Senior citizens need to visit the dentist every 6 months irrespective of how they feel because the dentist will be able to detect anything that normally will go undetected by anyone. During the appointment, the dentist will check the following:
- Teeth – for discolouration, decay and/or cavities
- The facial skin and skin on the neck for discolorations
- Your bite, to check how the jaw is moving
- Your bite
- Tongue gum, palate, inner cheeks – for signs of oral cancer
- Your lymph nodes and salivary glands (for any sign of swelling or lumps)
If your arthritis is making brushing and flossing difficult, you can do the following.
- Use an electric toothbrush and floss
- Sit down while brushing and flossing
- Set the toothpaste on the counter and use the palm to squeeze the paste out since using the fingers may be difficult.
Yes, you need to bring them to the dentist since their dementia may come in the way of their dental care. They may not be able to tell you if they are experiencing any discomfort so you or the caregiver will have to necessarily bring your parent to the dentist every 6 months, if more regularly if necessary.
These are some indicators you will have to look out for in your parents or any senior citizen with dementia.
These are some indicators you will have to look out for in your parents or any senior citizen with dementia.
- They struggle to chew
- Stay away from too hot or too cold food
- Drool
- Have bad breath
- Their tongue is white in colour
- Do not let anyone near to clean their mouth
