Australians are getting older.
As we age, so do our bodies. Greying hair, crow’s feet and of course, tooth loss are some of the classic issues that come with old age.
Fortunately, dental health has come a long way since the days of old. While in decades past it wouldn’t be unheard of for seniors to lose most of their teeth, older Australians are increasingly hanging on to their pearly whites.
Of course, that doesn’t mean that seniors should ignore their dental health completely!
At Dental Care Group’s Armadale dentist, we not only care for the overall dental health of families and children – we also care for the dental needs of our more mature patients. This is called geriatric dentistry.
Tooth decay in older teeth
When most people think of tooth decay, they think of the rot that results from a lifetime of eating processed and sugary foods.
While that’s certainly a prominent cause, many also forget that teeth wear out on their own with time. Even the healthiest diet can’t stop that!
There are several factors that contribute to tooth decay among older people. Consuming too much sugar and poor oral hygiene is a big one – people just didn’t understand the fine art of dentistry as much back then. Another is limited access to dental treatment.
At their age, older people should reduce their sugar intake. Your teeth are much more fragile than they were when you were 21 – a poor diet can aggravate them and cause tooth decay.
It’s also important to continue brushing your teeth at least twice a day. Are you brushing your teeth properly? Find out if you are by reading this blog post!
Toothache in the elderly
Older adults often have their teeth filled or covered with crowns and bridges. However, another common dental problem seniors experience is when the nerves of their teeth die, which can lead to infection and toothache.
If this happens, it is best to book a consultation with Dr Zelman Lew so that the situation can be assessed and a treatment plan can be implemented.
One possible treatment is a root canal procedure. Unlike other treatments, this one lets you keep your natural teeth!
Broken teeth
We’re going to get straight to the point: a lifetime of use leaves your teeth brittle.
And when teeth are worn out or decayed, they are much more prone to cracks and breakages. And, well, let’s just say having sharp edges all over your mouth isn’t the most pleasant experience.
Oftentimes, this can cause the formation of mouth ulcers which can be painful. Ouch!
Drop by Dental Care Group and have those sharp edges smoothed out. Crowns, fillings and inlays can be used to repair any breaks in your teeth and smooth out any rough pain.
Not only will this make your teeth look better, it will also stop the development of mouth ulceration. And if a broken tooth is stopping you from eating, well, you know who to call!
Broken teeth restoration is a common geriatric dentistry procedure.
Click here for a full list of restorative procedures we offer at Dental Care Group.
Gum and soft tissue problems
While gingivitis or bleeding gums can occur in any age, those who are older are especially prone to developing gum disease. While it might start out as minor annoyances, if left for long enough it can lead to tooth loosening and even tooth loss.
Fortunately, just like many dental problems, gum problems can be managed with a good dental hygiene program.
Whether you’re in primary school or an octogenarian, good hygiene must be observed and practiced. This should include dental flossing and thorough cleaning in between teeth.
If your gums are causing you grief, we advise booking a dental check-up so the gravity of your gum problems can be assessed.
Want to learn more about gum diseases like gingivitis and periodontitis? Click here to find out how to identify and fight gum disease.
Oral cancer
Oral cancers are one of the most common forms of cancer.
The risk of developing oral cancer increases as people age – oral cancers are especially prevalent in those aged 50+ as well as regular drinkers and smokers.
Oftentimes, oral cancers start in the mouth or tongue, but they are also known to start in the larynx, saliva glands and sinuses.
Elderly patients are advised to visit their dentist regularly for both health and hygiene purposes. Not only can we give you advice to improve your dental hygiene, but your dentist can also detect any early signs of diseases including oral cancer.
Yes, we dentists look after more than just teeth!
While oral cancer might manifest with very little symptoms, early detection of the disease is critical.
Regular visits to the dentist can help identify any changes or abnormalities in your mouth, which can be tracked and used to help in the early detection of oral cancer.
Replacing lost teeth
One of the best things about modern dentistry is how it’s significantly reduced rates of tooth loss.
For many in this boat, the only solution is dentures…
… or at least, that’s what we would have said a couple of years ago!
Fortunately for you, advances in dental implants mean that it’s now possible to receive real-looking dental implants that function and feel just like real teeth.
If you’re interested in joining the ranks of those who’ve successfully undergone this revolutionary procedure, Dental Care Group is more than happy to help you out!
Our state-of-the-art facility is equipped to painlessly replace missing teeth with life-like implants. Book an appointment to better understand the procedure behind dental implants, or send us a message if you have any questions.
Age is just a number! Need geriatric dentistry?
Dental Care Group will take care of you!
If you are looking for a good dental clinic that can help you with geriatric dental needs, look no further: regardless of your age, Dental Care Group is here to take care of you and your oral health!
We take great pride in our ability to communicate and support patients from all walks of life.
In addition to our high quality dental service, our dentist Armadale will also make sure that all our patients leave our clinic educated on dental problems and preventative measures. Knowing the problem is the first step towards preventing it, after all!
Book an appointment with one of Armadale’s leading dental clinics today using our simple, easy-to-use online booking tool. Prefer to chat? No problem. Give us a call on (03) 9509 1500 to speak to one of our friendly team!
If you have any questions about our clinic or procedures, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’d be glad to set your mind at ease!
