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Common Oral Health Problems in Senior Citizens
Posted by Northwest Oral Content Team on 5 Oct, 2020
Oral health is important in all stages of life. As you age, you may face unique oral health challenges that don't affect younger patients as frequently. Below is some information about the oral health issues elderly patients are most likely to encounter, as well as the available treatments.
Common Oral Health Problems in Senior Citizens
According to the CDC, some of the most common oral health problems experienced by older adults include:
- Tooth Loss: Older adults are more likely to have lost teeth, which causes problems with biting, chewing and speech. When someone loses teeth, bone tissue can also begin to deteriorate. Because lost teeth lead to so many different complications, treatment is highly recommended. Elderly patients who have lost one or more teeth may benefit from bridges, dentures and/or dental implants.
- Untreated Tooth Decay: A significant number of older patients have untreated tooth decay. Decayed teeth are more likely to crack and break. They may also cause pain and sensitivity. If tooth decay is left untreated for a long time, the decay will continue to progress, and the patient will eventually need root canal therapy or an extraction.
- Oral Cancer: Older adults are more likely to develop oral cancer, which can be fatal if left untreated.
- Gum Disease: As you age, gingivitis and more severe forms of gum disease become more common. In fact, the CDC reports that more than two-thirds of adults over the age of 65 have gum disease. Without treatment, gum disease will continue to get worse, leading to tooth loss, bone loss and other complications.
Protecting Oral Health as You Age
- Tooth Extraction
- Bone Grafting
- Dental Implants
- Biopsies
If you or a loved one would like to find out if oral surgery is an option for you, please contact Northwest Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery today to request an appointment.
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#Oral Health
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