Some elderly people view dental problems as a consequence of aging. But the truth is that oral health is important, whatever your age is. If you are a senior or someone who cares for one, you need to be aware of a few alarming statistics. For one, more than 30% of older adults have cavities which are left untreated. About 25% of seniors have a periodontal disease which has been associated with a few chronic health problems including diabetes, heart disease, and respiratory problems. Finally, around 30% of the elderly lose their teeth due to different factors.
Why is senior dental health care important?
The most important reason why the elderly should pay careful attention to their dental health is because they do not need to lose their teeth while they age. On top of that, the human mouth changes over time. And if you do not pay close attention to this and your overall dental health, you could face serious consequences related to your health. As you age, you can become vulnerable to different dental problems brought about by different factors. For example, some medications have been known to cause dry mouth as a side effect. Low levels of saliva can make you vulnerable to bacteria and other microorganisms which can cause issues like gum disease and cavities. Also, a person’s diet can also negatively impact one’s health. For example, if you consume too many hard and sti