Common Oral Health Issues in Elderly Patients That Require Dental Care

April 29, 2020

At In Motion Dentists, your doctor and his team take pride in having the opportunity to provide seniors with dental care to those who are homebound in Orange County. In fact, it’s one of the key reasons your doctor started his mobile dental practice. This patient population is sadly underserved due to health conditions that prevent them from physically visiting a dentist in a brick and mortar office. Seeing this need, your doctor decided to step in and serve those who needed him most.

Not only do the dentists at In Motion Dentists have a passion for providing dental care to men and women with advanced age in Orange County, but their entire team has a passion for helping this patient population. Often, the team sees elderly patients who have been suffering from oral health issues for too long—many of them not knowing that what they were experiencing was a problem. In this blog, we will go over some of the most common oral health issues seen by the doctors at In Motion Dentists, while providing elderly dental care.

• Dry Mouth

As we age, saliva flow tends to decrease for one reason or another. If your elderly loved one has recently undergone cancer treatments to the head and neck area, or if they are taking medications, they may be experiencing excessive dry mouth. As part of routine elderly dental care, our doctors recommend incorporating Biotene mouthwash to help with this common oral health issue.

• Root Decay

Another common oral health condition our doctors see when providing elderly dental care to seniors, is root decay. This occurs when tooth roots become exposed due to gum recession. Because tooth roots do not have any other type of protection other than the gums, they are more prone to decay. To treat or prevent root decay, it is vital that your doctor provide elderly dental care on a regular basis to ensure proper gum health.

• Gum Disease

Men and women in Orange County who have poorly placed fillings, bridges, or dentures often suffer from gum disease, as these ill-fitting devices can lead to excessive plaque build-up near the gumline. Additionally, diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and other medical conditions can increase gum disease. Routine elderly dental care is essential to prevent gum disease among this patient population.

• Food Pocketing

Because many elderly men and women with certain medical conditions can struggle to swallow food properly, food pocketing can occur. Because of swallowing difficulties, elderly patients are often unaware that food is left behind in their cheeks. This can lead to cavities and root decay. If you provide care to an elderly loved one or patient, ensure their mouth is clear of food after every meal. Additionally, seeking elderly dental care from your doctor can help catch early signs of food pocketing.

• Tooth Loss

Tooth loss can occur as a result of many of the above-mentioned oral health conditions. Gum disease, cavities, and bone loss can all cause teeth to become loose and shift inside the mouth, or even fall out. Let your doctor provide routine elderly dental care to your loved one to protect against tooth loss.

• Uneven Jawbone

If your loved one has experienced tooth loss and a replacement tooth has not been placed, jawbone resorption will occur. This can cause elderly patients to experience tooth shifting and eventually lose more teeth as the jawbone becomes uneven and weak. To prevent this oral health condition, talk to your doctor about dental implants to replace missing teeth. This elderly dental care step will protect jawbone structure and any remaining teeth.

Schedule an Initial Elderly Dental Care Consultation With In Motion Dentists in Your Home Today!

Even though these oral health conditions affect many aging men and women in Orange County, the good news is that elderly patients are retaining their original teeth longer than in years past. This is thanks to modern dental care, so if your loved one is homebound, reach out to your doctor to discuss elderly dental care in the comfort and safety of your own home.

You can reach a member of this friendly team in Orange County by calling (626) 594-0374.