Whether we like it or not, age changes everything in our bodies and looks. Our hair color changes, our body weakens, and even our memory doesn’t function as it used to. The same goes for our teeth and many people’s teeth weaken, change color, or fall as a result of age. That being said, you can’t prevent yourself from aging but you can certainly protect yourself from all of the things that can happen to you because of it. It is a known fact that people should see a dentist twice a year, no matter how old they are. Now that you have a loved one who has reached a critical age, you have to make sure that they don’t ignore or forget about these visits. Healthcare software development has revolutionized the way dental care is provided, offering advanced solutions to track and manage appointments, treatments, and oral health records.” Keep reading to learn about aging and dental health.
Dark Teeth
Teeth tend to get darker as we age. This is because the drinks and foods that we consume all through the years change teeth enamel tissue. In addition to that, the tooth’s outer enamel layer gets thinner with age which allows for the yellow color to be visible. That being said, if you notice that your loved one’s teeth are darker than normal then you should take them to the dentist immediately as this could indicate an underlying health issue and that something is wrong and requires medical attention.
Furthermore, yellowing teeth can affect one’s self-confidence, and even seniors who may have lived carefree lives in their heyday can suffer from low self-esteem from this condition. To help them, you may check the services the Dentist Madeley area or your locality has to offer.
Bleeding or Sore Gums
There is a reason why many young people watch what they eat and avoid smoking. This is because a poor diet, smoking, anemia, diabetes, plaque, and bad brushing habits can cause gum diseases. If you notice that your elderly loved one’s gums are sore or bleeding, a dental check-up must be done immediately because according to the home visiting dentist at Agedcaredentistry.com.au, inflamed gums can be extremely painful and cause discomfort. Additionally, if your elderly loved one is staying in a nursing home then you should make sure that it provides dental care so they can get constant checkups to avoid any serious consequences since gum diseases can cause teeth loss and serious health problems.
If this is not attended to immediately, their cardiovascular health may also be affected. The bacteria from the gums may travel into the bloodstream and increase bacterial infection, which can be detrimental, especially to those who have already had a heart operation.
Another thing would be to check the root cause of their gum disease to better address the problem. It could be due to poor nutrition, a side effect of their medication, or maybe consuming prohibited substances like cigarettes and alcohol. Once you have ruled out the possibilities, you can consult with their doctor to get a new prescription or a piece of medical advice they would need to implement.
Pneumonia
Pneumonia is caused by a bacterial infection that can result in inflammation of the tissues in one or two of the lungs. Your oral health can have a huge impact on the rest of your body and since the mouth droplets contain bacteria that we inhale and go straight to our lungs, bacterial infection can occur especially in older people.
The best way to protect senior citizens from Pneumonia is to make sure that they maintain regular oral hygiene by brushing their teeth, flossing, and seeing a dentist twice a year. If your loved one is unable to brush their teeth then you should make sure that their nursing home or caregiver helps them out.
By giving the elderly the proper care, comfort, and healthy life they need, you can ensure they have lower risks of getting diseases, such as pneumonia. That said, check the home-care facility and if they have supplies to care for their oral health to prevent illnesses like pneumonia and heart disease from infecting them.
Dental care is essential no matter how old you are, but for senior citizens, it can be a matter of life and death. Since their bodies, immune systems, and teeth aren’t what they used to be, any infection in their teeth or gums can lead to serious consequences. This is why you should make sure that their nursing home provides dental care and a caring and attentive staff that can help them look after their teeth. Even if they live with you or have a caregiver, make sure that their dental care is a priority.