The most common dental problems amongst seniors

06 May The most common dental problems amongst seniors

Seniors most common dental problems

With age comes great wisdom, but unfortunately with age can come greater risk of oral health problems. Seniors are more likely to experience dental diseases and related issues than the younger generation simply due to a lifetime of general wear and tear and a combination of age-related risks. Chatting with your dentist will give you an idea of how best to manage and preserve your oral health as you get older and how to prevent dental problems in the future.

Here are 3 dental problems to look out for as we and those around us, age:

1.      Tooth Decay

Gums can shrink with age which exposes teeth to an increased risk of tooth decay and infection leaving more room for plaque buildup. Plaque buildup can attack the tooth enamel and eventually result in holes (also known as cavities). As many of us know, these can become a very painful and expensive problem to resolve – so it’s always best to get on top of this sooner rather than later!

2.      Gum Disease

A common reason gum disease becomes quite prevalent in the aging population is because it is often unnoticeable and painless until the advanced stage. This can become a real problem when left untreated, as gums can start to pull away from the teeth, allowing more space for food particles to get caught and plaque to build up. However, regular dental visits reduce our risk of gum disease and encourage early detection of any potential issues that could pop up in the future.

3.      Missing teeth

It’s no surprise that the number of missing teeth increases with age, and this can give rise to further dental problems such as bite irregularities, shifting teeth and difficulty chewing. If you are missing any teeth, don’t be afraid to talk to your dentist about restorative options surrounding dentures, implants or bridges.

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Katrina Honnery

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