Taking Care Of Your Teeth In Your Golden Years With Geriatric Dentistry

As we age, we tend to experience different changes in our body that can impact our dental health. Conditions like arthritis and dementia can make it harder to practice proper oral hygiene regularly, especially as we reach our golden years. Moreover, medications that help with possible chronic illnesses can adversely affect our dental health. All these problems can occur to anyone but are more common for those at the ripe young age of sixty-five years and older. At Bella Vista Smiles in Lincoln, California, we are here to help our patients in their golden years and need the dental treatments necessary to maintain their smiles! We proudly provide geriatric dentistry in Lincoln, California, and the Sun City and Lincoln Hills area.

Our excellent dentist, Dr. Rubina Khorana, at our office, wants her patients to understand their options thoroughly and offers an array of patient education for this purpose. When it comes to geriatric dentistry, there are many things our senior patients can do to help manage and prevent it when it comes to their oral health. 

Regular Dental Check-Ups Are Crucial

As a senior, it’s essential to maintain regular dental check-ups. Dental check-ups are important because oral health is not just about teeth but overall well-being. Dental health problems in seniors can lead to other health issues, such as malnourishment. Regular check-ups help identify and fix dental problems early on and prevent future health problems. Dr. Rubina Khorana will examine your mouth and teeth, taking preventative measures, including applying fluoride varnish, which can strengthen teeth and prevent decay.

Managing Dry Mouth

As seniors age, they tend to experience reduced saliva production, causing dry mouth. Dry mouth can cause discomfort and lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Fortunately, there are various solutions to help prevent decay and gum disease and ease pain from dry mouth. Excellent things you can do to help with dry mouth include: 

• Drinking water regularly and avoiding alcohol and caffeine can help reduce dryness in the mouth. 
• Chewing sugar-free gum or mints that contain xylitol can help stimulate saliva production. 
• To further help you, Dr. Khorana may also recommend medications that increase saliva production.

Teeth Cleaning Techniques

Seniors with arthritis can have difficulty brushing their teeth. In such cases, electric toothbrushes make brushing more accessible and more effective. Another situation that may occur is when seniors with dementia may struggle to clean their teeth effectively. With a caregiver, however, they can help by assisting or supervising daily brushing and flossing. Ensuring the right technique is used can help prevent gum disease and tooth decay.

Watch Out for Teeth Grinding

Teeth grinding and clenching can cause tooth wear and tear, especially in seniors. Teeth grinding occurs due to stress and typically starts up unconsciously. If you experience jaw pain and headaches and feel like your teeth are worn down, you may be grinding your teeth. Please schedule a consultation today, and our highly skilled Dr. Khorana will examine your mouth and may recommend wearing a custom-fitted mouthguard to prevent teeth grinding.

Take Note of Your Diet

A healthy diet is crucial to good oral health and overall health. Seniors should aim to eat a healthy and balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. Food and drinks high in sugar and acid can contribute to tooth decay. It’s essential to drink water regularly and limit the intake of sugary drinks. 

Geriatric Dentistry in Lincoln, CA

Good oral hygiene is essential throughout every stage of life. As we age, it’s important to take extra steps to preserve our dental health to maintain overall health and quality of life. Ensure the health of your smile by scheduling a bi-annual dentist appointment with Dr. Rubine Khorana at Bella Vista Smiles today! We proudly strive to provide the best for each of our patients and serve those in the Lincoln, Sun City, and Lincoln Hills area! 

Implement the proper oral hygiene practices in your life and maintain your beautiful smile for years to come throughout your golden years.