Geriatric Dentistry

Age in and of itself is not a dominant or sole factor in determining Oral Health. However, certain medical conditions, such as arthritis in the hands and fingers, may make brushing or flossing teeth difficult to impossible to perform. Medication can also affect oral health and may make a change in your dental treatment necessary. We provide a treatment service to our elderly patients who are young at heart and want to take advantage of our high-tech dental service from the comfort of their own homes. Our dentists will bring our mobile high-tech practice to your care home and provide you with all the same treatments, and to the same professional standard. Geriatric dentistry can be preventative. As we age, so does our dentin and tooth enamel. Because of this, we often see staining, darkening, and yellowing of the teeth as we get older. Regular dental visits can help cut down on tooth discoloration. If you are over the age of 65, it is important to brush your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush at least two times per day. It is also important to utilize toothpaste with fluoride and it is recommended that you use an electric toothbrush. A healthy diet and cutting out smoking are also productive ways to optimize your oral health. Drinking tap water for the benefit of added fluoride is very important as well. And of course, seeing your dentist regularly is crucial.

Advancing age puts many seniors at risk for a number of Oral Health problems, such as:

• Gum disease - Caused by plaque and made worse by food left in teeth, use of tobacco products, poor-fitting bridges and dentures, poor diets, and certain diseases, such as anemia, cancer, and diabetes, this is often a problem for older adults.
• Tooth loss - Gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss.
• Uneven jaw bone- This is caused by teeth and then not replacing missing teeth. This allows the rest of the teeth to drift and shift into open spaces
• Root decay - This is caused by exposure of the teeth roots to decay-causing acids. The tooth roots become exposed as gum tissue recedes from the tooth. Roots do not have any enamel to protect them and are more prone to decay than the crown part of the tooth.
• Dry mouth - It is caused by reduced saliva flow, which can be a result of cancer treatments that use radiation to the head and neck area, as well as certain diseases, such as Sjögren’s syndrome, and medication side effects. Many medicines can cause dry mouth.
• A diminished sense of taste - While advancing age impairs the sense of taste, diseases, medications, and dentures can also contribute to this sensory loss.