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Older Adults Have Many Common Oral Health Issues
Posted on 7/12/2021 by Aron Geelan, DMD
Unfortunately, people of all ages have oral health problems. Many of these problems are due to a lack of good oral hygiene. Other problems are the result of a poor diet, which does not supply the mouth with the nutrients it needs to thrive. Instead, many people eat starchy and sugary snack foods which only degrade the enamel of the teeth. If we specifically look at older adults, those aged 65 years or older, we find many common oral health issues due to a lifetime of poor habits.
Common Oral Health Issues for Older Adults
The most common oral health issue is untreated tooth decay. Nearly all adults have untreated tooth decay. Older adults also have a high percentage of gum disease. Some older adults also deal with the complications of losing a tooth or several teeth. Having missing teeth can affect nutrition, as those individuals usually prefer soft foods instead of fresh foods such as fruits and vegetables. Older adults are primarily diagnosed cancers of the mouth, as opposed to young people who are rarely diagnosed with oral cancer.
Older adults also experienced loose teeth. A possible reason for loose teeth in adults could be a habit of grinding or clenching your teeth. This can be done consciously or unconsciously, although it is often done at night while the patient is sleeping. Regardless, grinding or clenching your teeth can damage your teeth and cause complications.
We Can Help You With Your Adult Teeth Issues
Prevention is the first step toward good oral hygiene. Make sure you are brushing your adult teeth twice a day and flossing every day. Your regular professional cleaning and dental exams are important as we inspect each tooth for tooth decay. Give our office a call today to schedule your next appointment.
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Unfortunately, people of all ages have oral health problems. Many of these problems are due to a lack of good oral hygiene. Other problems are the result of a poor diet, which does not supply the mouth with the nutrients it needs to thrive. Instead, many people eat starchy and sugary snack foods which only degrade the enamel of the teeth. If we specifically look at older adults, those aged 65 years or older, we find many common oral health issues due to a lifetime of poor habits.