Here’s Why Seniors Should Pay More Attention to Dental Hygiene
As people age, they begin to pay more attention to certain aspects of their health and completely ignore others. Most seniors pay a lot of attention to their mental and physical well-being and completely ignore their dental health. It is understandable, too. When you continually worry about your heart rate, blood pressure, memory, and stamina, thoughts about teeth and gums take a back seat. However, just because it is understandable does not mean it is right. Maintaining dental hygiene is more important than most people think.
Here’s Why Seniors Should Pay Extra Attention to Oral Health
Oral health is an integral part of one’s overall well-being. Most seniors do not know that diseases like periodontal disease and dry mouth commonly affect seniors and can also impact their overall physical health. Neglecting oral health can, therefore, lead to digestive and heart issues. This is why seniors should pay more attention to their oral health.
Moreover, poor dental health also increases a person’s susceptibility to pneumonia. How? The bacteria that cause pneumonia goes through the mouth into the lungs. Thus, the best way to protect oneself from this bacteria is to practice proper oral hygiene. Gum disease is also associated with various heart diseases. Seniors with periodontal disease are twice as likely to experience heart issues than those without gum issues. A recent research study has revealed that oral issues, such as gingivitis and cavities, also increase one’s chances of various heart diseases. Thus, if a senior from your family is in the hospital, ask the staff members to take proper care of their oral hygiene.
Here’s How Routine Examination Can Help
Since oral hygiene-induced issues lead to several health issues, regular examinations can help prevent these diseases. Besides heart and respiratory diseases, regular oral checkups also help seniors keep diabetes away.
Severe gum disease or periodontitis stops the body from using insulin, which can lead to diabetes. Thus, an oral checkup can also reduce the chances of elders developing this disease by taking care of oral issues in their nascent stage. A poor diet can also cause gum disease, improperly fitted dentures, food stuck between teeth, etc.; regular oral checkups are the only way to prevent this disease. The first negative effect of gum disease is tooth loss. However, gum disease can lead to several health issues in the long run.
Key Takeaway
As people grow old, they naturally become more concerned about their physical and mental health. However, it is important to understand how the human body works and how different mechanisms are interlinked. A good understanding of these mechanisms and the body will reveal that maintaining good oral hygiene is integral to overall well-being.
If you are a senior who takes their dental health for granted, don’t. Similarly, if you know a senior who takes their dental health for granted, do not let them do so. Ignoring one’s dental health is causing trouble in the long run.
Dr. Apsey practices comfortable, health-centered dentistry with a strong emphasis on getting to know each of his patients. If you believe you have one or more of the common symptoms for a root canal treatment or are looking for a new dental home, call the team at Smile Brightly at 586-573-7700 to schedule a dental examination. Our dental office is in Warren, Michigan.
We look forward to speaking with you soon!