It’s important to have regular dental exams for your entire life; however, as you age, you may have different oral health needs. If you are looking for a dentist in SW Calgary, it might be beneficial to understand how the dental treatment of seniors is different from that of younger patients, so you can maintain a healthy smile. Seniors can encounter unique oral health issues such as tooth wear, gum recession, or increased likelihood of decay and/or oral disease, which will require follow-up screenings.
Differences in Dental Care for Seniors vs Younger Adults
The dental care for seniors will not be the same as for younger adults. Factors you should be aware of include:
- Gum Health and Bone – Seniors can start to develop gum recession and bone loss over the years, and should have this evaluated on a regular basis.
- Medications – Many seniors are placed on medications that can lead to xerostomia or alter the oral health of the senior.
- Tooth Wear – Over the years, the wear and usage of the teeth may affect the sensitivity of the teeth and make the teeth more prone to decay.
- Existing Dental Work – Seniors may have crowns, bridges or implants that will need to be regularly monitored.
When the dental professional is familiar with these factors, they can provide thoughtful and individualized patient care to protect seniors’ oral health and to provide preventative measures to ameliorate possible complications. If you are in search of a dentist near you with experience in adapting surveys and preventative measures to seniors, you will be assured of the safety and care when providing dental care.
What to Expect During a Senior Dental Checkup
Similar to what would occur during typical appointments for patients of any age, dental appointments for seniors involve standard evaluations and procedures unique to dental care for seniors:
- Comprehensive evaluation of teeth, gums, and oral soft tissue
- Evaluation of jaw and bite health
- X-rays are taken to evaluate bone and tooth structure
- Evaluation of existing restorations, such as crowns and implants
- Evaluation and discussion of preventative care and oral hygiene changes
Attending a dental checkup in SW Calgary allows seniors to address potential issues early and receive assistance maintaining their overall oral health and comfort.
Preventive Measures for Seniors
Preventive care is particularly critical for seniors to help minimize the risk of tooth loss and gum disease:
- Regular professional cleanings to remove plaque and tartar
- Fluoride treatments for added enamel strength
- Instructions on how to modify the brushing and flossing technique due to loss of dexterity
- Suggested nutrition to support dental health
Seniors who participate in teeth grinding should also be able to identify signs that they need a night guard for teeth grinding to minimize additional loss of tooth structure.
Protecting Teeth During Sports and Nighttime Grinding
Older seniors who engage in sports may be given additional suggestions on how to choose a custom-fit mouth guard for sports to adequately protect their mouth and teeth. If seniors apply the best mouth guard for teeth grinding at night as suggested by their dentist, they may minimize damage from unlabeled teeth grinding or clenching.
Caring for teeth by using protective mouthguards will help seniors maintain strong and healthy teeth while minimizing potential complications from tooth wear and injury.
Choosing the Right Dentist for Seniors
When seeking a dentist, you must be sure the dentist you choose is experienced and trained to care for seniors. Your dental professional will provide a thorough evaluation and a consistent and personalized recommendation; you may be assured of reducing risk for major risk factors associated with your particular needs.
Routine follow-ups are an important source of communication with seniors and help maintain their overall oral health.
Expert Care for Senior Oral Health
A dental appointment for your senior loved one requires specialized attention to ascertain that their teeth, gums, and dental work remain healthy and functional. Open-ended scheduled appointments requiring routine follow-up, preventative dentistry, and individual recommendations will minimize teeth from being at risk.
Schedule your first appointment today at Beyond Dental so that our team can help your loved one maintain optimal health and well-being with compassionate, expert-level senior care!