The Importance Of Good Dental Health For Seniors

How’s that smile?

Good dental health is important for everyone, but it’s especially important as we age, because how you care for your teeth influences your overall health. In fact, good oral health is as important as good heart health.

Because someone is a senior, makes it even more important to take good care of your teeth, brushing and flossing every day, better yet twice daily…your overall wellness depends on it.

If your teeth could talk, what would they say about your health?

Seniors are typically at a higher risk to contract contagious illness, because as people age, their immune system weakens, which can be made worse by poor oral hygiene, or strengthened by good hygiene. The latter can help them fight off even life-threatening illness.

Want to know what’s going on in your body? Take a look at what your mouth may be telling you…There are several issues that can be caused or made worse by poor oral hygiene, these are a few signs to look for:

• Dry mouth: Lack of saliva, or dry mouth can be a sign of gum disease.
• Bleeding or inflamed gums: Diabetes can either be detected or made worse by gum disease which make it difficult for the body to properly use the insulin it creates in order to keep the body’s blood sugar in check, and can lead to gum infections.
• Loose teeth or receding gums: These 2 symptoms could indicate that you have osteoporosis, meaning that there is a thinning of your bone density.
• Cracking or crumbling teeth: If you feel like your teeth are falling apart, it could be a sign that you have GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease), simply put it’s acid traveling up the esophagus. The acid has a tendency to eat away at the layers of the teeth, causing irreversible damage.
• Mouth Sores: We all experience the occasional mouth sore, but when they keep occuring for what seems to be no good reason, it could be an indicator of oral cancer.

On a side note***A very common illness in seniors is pneumonia that is due to high levels of oral bacteria being inhaled into the lungs…a very serious situation. Bad bacteria must be kept at low levels by thorough and consistent flossing and brushing at home, along with regular dental checkups.

Seniors can improve their dental health…

These tips will help seniors improve their dental health…

1. Floss and brush at least twice daily…it’s also good to use a waterpik type of cleaner.
2. Use an antiseptic mouthwash at least daily.
3. Stop smoking.
4. Eat healthy- low carbs and lots of fiber.
5. Fluoride, which helps prevent tooth decay can be obtained by drinking plenty of tap water.
6. Don’t forget regular visits with your dentist.

We are Certified Senior Move Managers recognized by our National Association of Senior Move Managers, NASSM! We are committed to serving our seniors with a high standard of ethics, best business practices and continuing education to help make whatever transition they are going through a Smooth Transition.

Contact us to learn how we can help you and/or your family cope with a senior downsizing anywhere in the Phoenix East Valley area…we offer a Free consultation.

We would love to serve you. 480-339-0011