Why Dental Care for Seniors is Important

As the average life expectancy increases thanks to improved health care and an understanding of the importance of health and wellness, seniors are enjoying an active life for much longer than they once were. Unfortunately, a lack of dental insurance can become a barrier for many aging adults, especially if they haven’t maintained a good oral care routine.

Poor dental care leads to many problems

At Reflections-Dental Oakville, our Team looks after the whole family! Great oral health for seniors is just as vital as it is for kids. Prevent illness and maintain wellness – and ask our dental care Team your questions!

Although a good mouth health routine is important for people of all ages, seniors are often more at risk of developing related health issues than many other demographics. Maintaining a good oral care routine can help seniors to ward off potential health issues and keep their natural teeth as long as possible.

Gum disease

As with younger people, when a senior doesn’t maintain good oral care, they are more likely to develop gum disease. However, gum disease in seniors is more likely to cause tooth loss, forcing them to deal with getting bridges, implants or dentures.

Heart disease

Studies have shown that there is a link between periodontal disease and heart disease. The risk of worsening heart conditions and developing heart disease is increased when seniors practice poor oral care.

Diabetes

While a link between diabetes and poor oral care may seem unlikely, there is actually good reason to keep your mouth healthy, especially if you already struggle to control your blood sugar. The gum disease and periodontitis that can result from poor oral care can affect the way your body uses insulin. A senior with gum disease is going to have a more difficult time controlling their sugar levels and in turn, high blood sugar can result in gum infections. This cycle can be difficult for seniors to break.

Pneumonia

When proper oral care isn’t maintained, the mouth can become a breeding ground for bacteria. In extreme cases these bacteria can move from the mouth to the lungs, leading to pneumonia. This lung infection can be life threatening, especially for seniors.

Top reasons to prioritize good oral care

There are several reasons why seniors should make good oral care a priority in their lives. Brushing, flossing, using mouthwash and cleaning your dentures properly each day will help seniors of all ages to maintain their oral health for as long as they can.

Reduced chance of needing dentures or implants – Poor oral care can lead to extreme cavities and loss of natural teeth. Many seniors choose to wear dentures or implants when they’ve lost some of their teeth, however they can be uncomfortable and irritating to care for.

Easier to eat and talk – Holding on to your natural teeth for as long as possible will make eating and talking much easier. Dentures and implants are often uncomfortable and can get in the way of eating tough foods and talking comfortably.

Realignments aren’t necessary – As you grow older and your gums recede and change, your dentures are sure to require adjusting and realigning in order to remain comfortable and formed to your mouth.

Improved confidence – Healthy, clean teeth can improve confidence and encourage seniors to feel pride in their appearance. The freedom to eat anything you want thanks to strong teeth and fully functional taste buds is also a source of confidence in seniors.

Ontario’s Senior Dental Care Program

With emergency department visits for dental issues increasing each year, the Ontario government has created a program to provide free routine dental visits for low-income seniors. Ontarians aged 65 and up that meet maximum income requirements can qualify for the program that will help ensure that they can access the dental care that will help maintain their overall well-being.

Oral health is vital for seniors overall well being

Maintaining a good oral care routine can help seniors to age comfortably, with confidence and the ability to eat a variety of different foods. Their overall health can also be affected by good oral care, since the risk for associated conditions like diabetes and heart disease can be mitigated. A routine that includes daily brushing, flossing and rinsing with mouthwash is very beneficial for all seniors.