DENTAL CARE
Oral health gets more important as we grow older. It can be a challenge. Even if you brush and floss regularly, you may be face the prospect of wearing dentures, taking medications or other related health conditions.
Luckily, your dentist and physician can help you access treatment and resources to meet most of these challenges quite successfully.
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Dentists - General Practice
Visiting your dentist regularly is a proactive approach to maintaining good teeth hygiene. During your dental check-up your dentist will do a number of routine procedures to determine if your teeth are healthy. Some of the dental procedures include:
- Cavity check – cavities and tooth decay get more common as we grow older. In addition, to brushing with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily, seeing your dentist regularly will help a lot. If you are finding that your teeth are prone to pain due to cold or hot foods or drinks, try an anti-sensitivity toothpaste and talk to your dentist.
- Dry mouth - is another common condition among seniors that may a symptom of certain medical conditions or medications. Dry mouth CAN damage your teeth if left untreated. A dentist will provide you with several methods to alleviate this condition.
- Gum Disease – is often seen among people over 40 and in the worst case, may result in the loss of teeth. It is important to tell your dentist about existing health conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease or cancer because they can affect your oral health and result in gum disease. Bad diet, poor oral hygiene and smoking can also cause gum disease. Gum disease is reversible at the earliest stages, but it is necessary to have regular dental checkups.
- Crowns and bridges - are used to strengthen damaged teeth or replace missing ones. A crown is used to entirely cover or "cap" a damaged tooth. Besides strengthening a damaged tooth, a crown can be used to improve its appearance, shape or alignment. Bridges are commonly used to replace one or more missing tooth. They span the space where the teeth are missing. Bridges are cemented to the natural teeth or implants surrounding the empty space.
Dental Hygienists
Dental hygienists often work alongside dentists to provide basic cleaning services. When you visit your dentist office for a check-up a dental hygienist will thoroughly brush, floss, and conduct a pre-examination for any cavities or other problems. The hygienist may also provide a cavity-preventive agent such as fluoride, depending on the type of plan you have. Although hygienists may not diagnose diseases, they can prepare clinical and laboratory diagnostic tests for the dentist to interpret. Hygienists sometimes work chair-side with the dentist during treatment.[4] Dental hygienists will also teach you how to practice good oral hygiene to ensure you are knowledgeable about preventative dental care.
Dentists – Specialists
The appearance of our teeth can impact how we feel about ourselves. Dental specialists can provide an extra boost to our confidence by enhancing our smiles. Dental specialists practice in several areas that address specific teeth problems. The following lists dental specialists that address senior related oral concerns:
- Oral and maxillofacial surgeons - operates on the mouth and jaws
- Periodontists - treat gums and bone supporting the teeth
- Prosthodontists - replacing missing teeth with permanent fixtures (such as crowns, bridges, or dentures)
- Endodontists - perform root canal therapy
- Public health dentists - promoting good dental health and preventing dental diseases within the community
- Oral pathologists – deal with oral diseases
- Oral and maxillofacial radiologists - diagnosing diseases in the head and neck through the use of imaging technologies. [5]
Denturists
Getting dentures is the last resort, when your teeth are beyond repair. When you age your jaw bones will shrink about 1 mm. per year after you take out your teeth. After ten years your jaws will be half the size that they are now. Even if you can save two teeth in each jaw, you will have better stability for dentures or partials - as long as the teeth can be saved.[6] Dentures do make life easier for seniors, who want to continue enjoying the same foods as before. It is important to go to certified denturist so that your dentures will be properly fitted. An annual checkup is recommended for long-term denture wearers.
[1] Dental services offered by Green Shield Canada: www.greenshield.ca
[4]U.S. Department of Labor. 2006. “Occupational Outlook Handbook.” http://stats.bls.gov/oco/ocos097.htm
[5]U.S. Department of Labor. 2006. “Occupational Outlook Handbook.” http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos072.htm
[6] Halmaghi, John, DDS. “Dental Health Directory Library.” http://www.dental--health.com/dentures31.html
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