Dental Care Tips and Treatments for Seniors

Seniors are particularly prone to oral health issues, whether due to years of neglecting oral health, or simply as a result of the aging process. Oral health issues, like gum disease, tooth decay, and tooth loss, can leave seniors unable to eat comfortably or smile with confidence. Fortunately, restorative dentistry treatments can help seniors enjoy restored dental function, good oral health, and improved confidence. Drs. Scott Parr and Tara Frey offer dental care for seniors at their Virginia Beach, VA practice. To find out which treatment is right for you, we welcome you to schedule a consultation.

Dental Care Tips for Seniors

It's not uncommon for the teeth to show signs of aging in the senior years. Over time, the teeth can become worn, fractured, discolored, and, in some cases, suffer the effects of years of poor oral health. Practicing proper dental care is especially important for seniors because they are at increased risk of oral health issues. Follow these dental care tips for seniors to help protect your smile and prevent dental damage.

• Practice proper oral hygiene: Practicing proper oral hygiene at every age is one of the most effective ways to prevent gum disease, tooth decay, and other oral health problems. Proper oral hygiene includes brushing for a full two minutes at least twice a day and flossing at least once a day, every day.
• Use an antiseptic mouthwash: In addition to brushing and flossing regularly, rinsing the mouth with an antiseptic mouthwash can further reduce the risk of gum disease.
• Practice good oral hygiene even with dentures: Even though those that wear a full set of dentures no longer have teeth, they are still vulnerable to oral infections and should continue to practice good oral hygiene. Denture wearers should use toothpaste to brush their gums, tongue, and inside of their cheeks to reduce the risk of infections, like oral thrush, as well as reduce bad breath. Dentures should also be cleaned daily with denture cleaner or mild dish soap.
• See your dentist every six months: Dental exams and cleanings should be performed at least once every six months to prevent oral health problems, catch any issues early, and keep the teeth clean and free of plaque and tartar buildup.
• Seek treatment at the first indication of an oral health issue: Seeking treatment at the first signs of an oral health issue is key to preventing serious dental problems. Some signs to pay attention to include increased dental sensitivity or pain (which can indicate tooth decay) and bleeding gums (a common sign of gum disease).

Popular Treatments for Seniors

In addition to practicing good dental care habits, many seniors benefit from restorative dentistry treatments. Restorative dentistry treatments can help improve the health of teeth damaged by years of wear and tear as well as rejuvenate the overall appearance. Some popular treatments include:

• Tooth-colored fillings
• Dental crowns
• Porcelain veneers
• Dental bonding
• Implant-supported bridges
• Dental implants
• Implant-supported dentures
• Traditional removable dentures

Restore Your Oral Health and Improve Your Smile

A healthy smile can rejuvenate your appearance and allow seniors to enjoy improved quality of life. For more information about dental care for seniors, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Parr or Dr. Frey.