Oral Health & Hygiene in Aging Adults
Tooth Decay: The buildup of dental plaque can wear down the enamel of your teeth overtime. It is important to brush your teeth and floss every day in order to prevent cavities from forming. It is especially important to see a dentist for checkup as they can diagnosed a cavity and fill it before the tooth cannot be saved
Gum Disease: Plaque can also build up along the gums and lead to infection. If this infection becomes serious it needs to be treated by a dentist so that the infection doesn’t permanently ruin the bones, gums or other tissue that supports your teeth. Brushing and flossing teeth regularly will also decrease the likelihood of gum disease
Dry Mouth: Dry mouths are fertile ground for bacteria and can lead to tooth decay and infection. Often medication given to aging adults cause dry mouth. If you or your loved one is suffering from dry mouth make sure to talk to your Dentist as he or she might recommended different ideas such as artificial salvia to help you maintain an optimal level of mouth moisture (source)