The importance of elderly patients visiting the dentist

It is important that you maintain good dental hygiene and visit our dentist at Aura Dental on a regular basis, at least once every six months, to make sure that your teeth and gums are clean, strong and free of any signs of tooth decay or gum disease. Visiting our dentist St John’s Wood regularly is important from an early age, it needs to be continued throughout all stages of life and especially as you get older. With age, the teeth weaken and there is an increased risk of dental health complications. Therefore, regular dental appointments with our dentist St John’s Wood at Aura Dental are very important for elderly patients, especially as good dental health is closely related to overall health and wellbeing.

Tooth decay

Regular visits to the dental practice can help prevent elderly patients from developing tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss. Studies show that elderly patients are at an increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Tooth decay is more likely because the enamel is much weaker in older patients. This is as a result of wear and tear over the years despite possibly maintaining good dental hygiene. The enamel is more susceptible to damage from the acids and toxins released by bacteria in the mouth. It is important that you maintain good dental hygiene and keep your mouth as clean as possible, and when you visit the dentist any excess plaque and tartar will also be removed from your teeth to reduce the amount of bacteria in your mouth.

Gum disease

Gum disease is also more likely in older patients because of gum recession which is a natural part of the ageing process to a certain extent. Gum recession exposes the root surfaces which can result in further tooth decay and even wobbly teeth. Also, it is found that elderly patients are more likely to develop dental health complications as a result of certain medications. A staggering 50% of patients over the age of 75 suffer from a certain extent of tooth decay or gum disease. Regular visits to our dentist St John’s Wood means that any signs of cavities or tooth decay can be detected early on and treated accordingly. When these issues are detected at an early stage, they can be treated quickly and easily without the need for extensive or invasive medical treatment. This is important for elderly patients who do not necessarily want to be spending hours in the dentist’s chair. Some treatments and procedures may not be suitable for very elderly patients either. Preventive dental care is much easier than having to undergo extensive, invasive dental treatment at an old age.

Maintain the function of your mouth

Issues that are common in elderly patients are difficulties with biting, chewing, eating and swallowing favourite foods in general. By maintaining regular visits to our dentist patients’ teeth should remain healthy and strong, and they should be able to eat and enjoy their favourite foods for the rest of their life.

If you are an elderly patient or are taking care of an elderly patient then speak to our dentist at Aura Dental today and find out more about good dental health for the elderly.