Common Dental Problems in Senior Citizens

As people age, their bodies go through changes, and often, many health issues start to appear. There are also many dental issues that are common with seniors, and it is important that seniors visit their dentists regularly and make sure that they are getting proper dental care. Here are some of the dental issues to be aware of, and if you notice any signs of these problems, make an appointment to see your dentist as soon as possible.

Dark Teeth

Over the years, the dentin in your teeth, which is the tissue that is beneath the enamel, will change. This is often due to eating foods that stain the teeth, such as colas, coffee, tea, berries, etc. Dental enamel also thins over time, and this is going to allow the dentin, which is dark yellow, to be more visible and make the teeth look dark.

Dry Mouth

If you find that your mouth is often dry, it means that there is not enough saliva. One of the main causes of this problem is radiation treatments for cancer, but there are also many medications that can cause dry mouth. When not treated, dry mouth can lead to tooth decay and other serious dental problems.

Gum Disease

There are several reasons why you should visit your dentist regularly, and the risk of gum disease is one of them. This is caused by plaque buildup on the teeth, as well as poor nutrition, some diseases such as cancer and diabetes, ill-fitting dental appliances, and smoking. Gum disease can lead to bone and tooth loss, as well as decay and painful abscesses. Gum disease is also one of the main causes of tooth loss.

Decaying Roots

Gum disease is common in seniors, and as it progresses, the gums recede further and further away from the teeth. This causes more of the teeth to be exposed, and there are more opportunities for tooth decay. When the gums recede too far, the roots of the teeth are exposed, and then they are susceptible to decay, even more so than the actual crowns of the teeth.

Stomatitis Caused by Dentures

This is a condition that can be caused by dentures that do not fit properly, a lack of dental hygiene, and Candida albicans (a type of fungus) buildup. Stomatitis causes painful inflammations in the tissues that are located under dentures, and must be treated by a dentist.

For more information, check out dentists such as Cambridge City Dental.


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