The number of aging patients at dental offices has risen in recent years. At the same time, seniors are keeping their natural teeth longer and fewer patients are in need of dentures. The senior population continues to grow as baby boomers reach the age of retirement, and dental professionals are adapting their practices to meet the needs of adults in their golden years.
First and foremost dentists are spending more time looking at the entire medical history of their senior patients as well as the medications they take. This ensures that any treatment they undergo will be both safe and effective. Dentists must also take into account the reduced mobility and dexterity of some seniors, which may make routine oral hygiene more difficult.
The worst thing a senior can do is to stop seeking care for dental problems like toothaches, bleeding gums or improperly fitted dentures. There are many dental technologies now available to help make dental treatment of common problems more comfortable and less time-consuming and generally easier on the senior patient.
Oral health is an important component of a senior’s overall health, so it’s even more important for them to visit the dentist regularly and maintain good dental health as they grow older. Because tooth decay is more likely to occur in older adults, it is important to brush (using a toothpaste with fluoride) and floss regularly to remove tartar that could cause gum disease. Gum disease can lead to a host of other health issues, and older patients are already more susceptible to problems, so keeping oral health in check is critically important.
If you are 65 or over, call Marion Smile Center today at (724) 452-4300 for exceptional dentistry aimed at older adults in Zelienople, or you can request an appointment online. Conveniently located north of Cranberry Township, PA, we also serve Harmony and the North Hills area of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as well as communities in Butler and Beaver County.
