Dental Problems In The Elderly
The older the age, the development of cells in the body also begins to decrease. Therefore man will experience various setbacks in terms of physical, no exception of teeth.
In people with old age, common problems that often occur :
1. Loss of Appetite
There are about 10 thousand taste indicators on the tongue. But it gradually decreases when a person enters the age of 50. Sweet and salty flavors are the first two flavors to be reduced. If something like this happens, then the food will become less delicious, hence often they want to add salt to their food. New problems arise. Blood pressure becomes high. While there is no precise explanation for the loss of these flavor indicators, there are several ways we can use them to keep food enjoyed by the elderly :
- Add more spices or seasonings so they don’t consume too much salt.
- Check the temperature of the food, because there are foods that is better consumed when hot, warm or cold.
- Having meals together with family members or friends. This is proven to help improve appetite and get better nutritional intake.
2. Dry Mouth
Dry mouth conditions are common in the elderly. The cause could be many. Whatever the cause, this problem must be dealt with, to keep the mouth healthy. There are several things to avoid to keep the mouth dry, namely :
- Caffeine
- Alcoholic beverages
- Alcohol contained Mouthwash
- Sour food and beverages
- Chewing gum, candy, cough medicine and soft drinks
3. Shrinking Nerves
As we get older, the nerves of the teeth in the elderly are shrinking. No wonder they become less sensitive if there are perforated teeth.
The best way to solve this problem is to get regular maintenance in anticipation of any problems that may exist. Visit a dentist every 6 months for dental conditions.
4. Root Damage
This damage can occur due to acid from food causing gum tissue to shrink from the teeth, resulting in the root of the tooth being exposed. Since the root does not have enamel to protect it, then the root is more easily damaged.
To help protect yourself from root damage :
- Brush your teeth and use floss twice per day
- Use toothpaste containing fluoride
- Visit your dentist for regular control and teeth cleaning
5. Uneven Jawbone
When there are teeth remove, there will be empty space on the gums. Teeth tend to fill in the blanks in our oral cavities, if we don’t replace them immediately with dental implants. This makes the jaw uneven. This condition will make it difficult for you to chew and your smile will be no longer beautiful.
So if you lose your teeth in adulthood, go to the dentist immediately to get a change or get treatment.
6. Stomatitis
Stomatitis is an inflammation that occurs in the tissues under your dentures. This is due to inappropriate denture size, poor dental health, or having Candida Albicans fungal problems. This inflammation causes the use of dentures to become very uncomfortable.
Here’s what to do to avoid Stomatitis :
- Remove and clean dentures after meals.
- Clean your mouth with a toothbrush after dentures are removed. Make sure to clean your real teeth, tongue, inner cheeks and palate.
- Brush your dentures twice a day, just as you brush your real teeth.
- Remove dentures at least 4 hours daily or throughout the night.
- Clean your dentures before reuse, especially if you use a denture soaking solution.
- Visit your dentist if dentures are uncomfortable.
7. Periodontal Disease (Gum Disease)
Gum disease is often experienced by many people, only they do not pay attention to it. And if left without treatment it will cause serious illness, one of them is heart disease.
Take a look at the symptoms below. If you experience it, then perhaps you’re experiencing gum pain.
- Gums easily bleed when tooth brushing or flossing
- Gums are swollen/mushy and red
- Smelly breath
- Teeth removal
- Changes in the suitability of partial dentures
- Festering gums
- Pain while chewing
- Sensitive teeth
8. Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder where the breath pauses during sleep. This disorder increases as you get older. Men experience Sleep Apnea four times more often than women. However post-menopausal women experience sleep apnea/snoring in the same frequency as men of the same age.
Then how to deal with it? It is Continuous Positive Airway Pressure or CPAP, a treatment tool that uses air pressure to keep the airways open. This requires you to use a mask or machine while sleeping. CPAP machine is very light and not intrusive. But keep in mind that this is a treatment and not a medical care.
Remember that prevention is the best way to maintain health.
