To speak with a licensed agent, call 816-944-0969 (TTY 711 M-F, 9am-5pm) or email new@medicarehelpnow.org

Dental Health for Seniors: Common Issues and Care Tips

Posted by Terrance Benson
Estimated Reading Time 1 minute 50 seconds

Dental Health for Seniors: Common Issues and Care Tips

Dental health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being, especially for seniors. Maintaining oral hygiene can become more challenging with age, yet preventing common dental problems and ensuring a good quality of life remains essential. Inform yourself about common dental issues and practice these tips for maintaining dental health.

 

Common Dental Issues for Seniors

  • Tooth Decay and Cavities: Aging can lead to an increased risk of cavities due to factors like dry mouth, often caused by medications and the natural wear and tear of teeth over the years.
  • Gum Disease: Also known as periodontal disease, gum disease is prevalent among seniors. It ranges from mild inflammation (gingivitis) to severe infections (periodontitis) that can damage the soft tissue and bone supporting the teeth.
  • Tooth Loss: Tooth loss can occur due to untreated cavities, gum disease, or trauma. This can affect chewing, speaking, and self-esteem.
  • Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Many medications taken by seniors can reduce saliva production, leading to dry mouth. Saliva is essential for neutralizing acids and washing away food particles, so a lack of it can increase the risk of tooth decay and infections.
  • Oral Cancer: The risk of oral cancer increases with age. Regular dental check-ups can help in early detection, which is crucial for effective treatment.

 

Care Tips for Maintaining Your Dental Health

  • Brush and Floss Regularly: Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily. This helps remove plaque and prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
  • Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to help alleviate dry mouth. Chewing sugar-free gum can also stimulate saliva production.
  • Visit the Dentist Regularly: Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are essential. Dentists can detect early signs of problems and provide professional cleaning to remove tartar.
  • Use the Right Dental Products: Seniors should use a toothbrush with soft bristles to prevent gum damage. Consider electric toothbrushes for easier and more effective cleaning.
  • Healthy Diet: Maintain a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals. Avoid sugary snacks and drinks that can lead to tooth decay.
  • Manage Health Conditions: Conditions like diabetes can affect dental health. Managing these conditions through proper medical care can help reduce the risk of related dental problems.
  • Avoid Tobacco: Smoking and chewing tobacco can exacerbate dental issues and increase the risk of oral cancer. Quitting tobacco can significantly improve oral health.

Prioritizing dental health is vital to maintaining overall health and quality of life in your later years. Regular care and professional dental support can prevent many common issues, ensuring a healthier smile for years to come. If you have questions about stand-alone dental insurance and care, talk to your licensed insurance agent.

Terrance Benson
MedicareHelpNow.org // new@medicarehelpnow.org

I am a local, independent licensed insurance agent. I am certified with many top Medicare Advantage, Prescription Drug and Medicare Supplement insurance plan carriers. I represent most major companies with a Medicare contract and am qualified to answer any questions you may have.

Get Free Medicare Assistance

Friendly, licensed professionals are available to answer all of your questions. Call 816-944-0969 or complete the form below and we’d be happy to reach out to you.







      By submitting this information, you acknowledge a licensed insurance agent, Terrance Benson, may contact you by phone, email, or mail to discuss Medicare Advantage Plans, Medicare Supplement Insurance, or Prescription Drug Plans.

      Close Accessibility Tools
      Accessibility Controls Reset
      Content Adjustments
      Font Size

      Default

      Line Height

      Default

      Content Scaling

      Default

      Highlight Titles
      Highlight Links
      Highlight Forms
      Align Left
      Align Center
      Align Right
      Focus Mode
      Color Adjustments
      Desaturate
      Monochrome
      Contrast

      Default

      Saturation

      Default

      Accessibility Statement

      Despite our attempts to make this website accessible for everyone, there may still be some pages or sections that are not completely accessible, are in the process of becoming accessible, or do not have a suitable technological solution to make them accessible. Nevertheless, we are always striving to enhance our accessibility by adding, updating, improving its options and features, and incorporating new technologies.

      We want to provide our users with the best experience possible, so we strive to support as many browsers and assistive technologies as possible.

      If you wish to contact this website's owner, please use the contact form on the website.

      Our User Interface Adjustment Options

      Font adjustments - With this tool, users can modify font size, style, letter spacing, and line height for improved alignment and readability.

      Color adjustments - Users can customize their color contrast profiles to light, dark, desaturated, and monochrome.

      Content highlighting - Users can prioritize key elements such as links, forms, and titles.

      Content focus - Users can enable focus mode to highlight the current page information based on their mouse movement.

      Close