As we age, our body goes through various changes and oral health is no exception. The risk of dental problems increases after 60 due to several factors including reduced saliva production, medication side effects, and a weakened immune system. Therefore, taking care of our teeth and gums becomes crucial to maintaining our overall health and well-being. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the top 5 dental concerns faced by individuals over 60 and how a dentist in Burlington can help address these concerns through expert treatment and preventive care.
Gum Disease:
Gum disease is one of the most common dental problems faced by seniors and it gets worse with age. It’s characterized by inflamed, bleeding, or receding gums and can lead to tooth loss if left untreated. A Burlington dentist can help prevent or manage gum disease with regular cleanings and check-ups. They can also provide deep cleaning and periodontal therapy to remove plaque and bacteria from the gum line and restore healthy gums.
Tooth Decay:
Tooth decay is another common problem faced by seniors as their teeth become weaker with age. It can lead to cavities, infections, and tooth loss. A Burlington dentist can help prevent tooth decay by providing fluoride treatments and dental sealants. They can also restore decayed teeth with fillings, crowns, or root canal therapy depending on the severity of the damage.
Dry Mouth:
Dry mouth is a common side effect of many medications taken by seniors and can increase the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath. A Burlington dentist can help manage dry mouth by prescribing artificial saliva or recommending certain toothpastes and mouth rinses. They can also provide fluoride treatments to prevent tooth decay in dry mouth patients.
Oral Cancer:
Oral cancer is a serious concern for seniors as the risk increases with age. It’s characterized by abnormal growths or sores in the mouth, throat, or lips that don’t heal. A Burlington dentist can perform oral cancer screenings during regular check-ups and detect any signs of cancer early for better treatment outcomes.
Denture Issues:
Many seniors wear dentures to replace missing teeth and improve their ability to eat and speak. However, dentures can cause problems like sore gums, difficulty chewing and slipping. A Burlington dentist can help address denture issues by providing new dentures, adjusting existing dentures, or recommending dental implants.
Conclusion:
Taking care of our teeth and gums becomes more important as we age, and a Burlington dentist can help address the most common dental concerns faced by seniors. Whether it’s gum disease, tooth decay, dry mouth, oral cancer, or denture issues, they can provide expert treatment and preventive care. Don’t neglect your oral health after 60, visit Dentistry at The Grove in Burlington for a comprehensive dental exam and personalized treatment plan.
