6 Reasons Preventative Dental Care Is Vital For Seniors

Older U.S. Americans tend to have poor oral health because their advancing age puts them at an increased risk of developing health problems. Most seniors also fail to attend regular checkups because they lack dental insurance. Nevertheless, you shouldn't ignore your dental health, as doing so will cost you big in the long run. Embracing preventative dental care is the best way to care for your dental health as a senior. Here are six reasons why preventative dental care is critical for seniors.

1. Ward Off or Reverse Gum Disease

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), two-thirds (68%) of older adults over 65 years have severe gum disease. Sadly, most seniors don't notice the onset of gum disease and only seek dental care after the condition has become severe.

Gum disease typically starts as gingivitis, where the bacteria in the plaque vexes the gum tissue leading to inflammation. Preventative dental care involves practicing good dental hygiene and regular dental exams, which prevent and control gum disease. 

2. Protect Against Heart Ailments

Bacteria that cause gum inflammation in gum disease can travel through the bloodstream and cause an infection in heart valves and inflammation of the heart valves. A study by Harvard Medical School shows that persons with gum disease are two to three times more likely to have a heart attack, or stroke, among other severe cardiovascular problems.

The risk is even greater for seniors due to their diminishing physicality. Preventative dental care can prevent or manage gum disease, keeping the risk of developing heart ailments among seniors at normal levels.

3. Prevent Cavities

Almost all seniors (96%) above 65 years have had a cavity, and one-fifth have untreated tooth decay. Dry mouth is the leading cause of cavities in seniors since most of the medications they take result in insufficient saliva as a side effect. Insufficient saliva often causes cavities to increase rapidly. Adopting preventative dental care enables you to see the dentist regularly, allowing you to stop cavities resulting from insufficient saliva from digging in.

4. Understand Chronic Ailments That Impact Dental Health

Chronic ailments like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and arthritis can heighten the risk of developing periodontal disease and gum disease for older adults. Seniors with diabetes also have a greater risk for gingivitis and gum inflammation.

High sugar content in the saliva of people with diabetes encourages bacteria growth in the mouth. Moreover, gum disease can make it harder for seniors with diabetes to manage their blood sugar levels. Regular dental visits can prevent diabetes and other chronic ailments from negatively impacting your dental health. 

5. Enable Early Detection of Oral Cancer

The key to a more straightforward and successful cancer treatment is early detection. Seniors above 65 years are more likely to be diagnosed with pharyngeal and oral cancer than younger people. Human papillomavirus infection and tobacco and alcohol use are the primary causes of oral cancer. Seniors visiting the dentist frequently have better chances of having oral cancer detected and treated early.

6. Stop Tooth Loss

Tooth loss in seniors is usually a result of advanced periodontal disease. Missing teeth affect your ability to eat hard nutrient-rich foods. Moreover, missing teeth lead to loss of bone mass, giving many seniors a sunken facial appearance. Preventative dental care eliminates periodontal disease, stopping tooth loss. You can also replace your missing teeth with implants, enabling you to eat healthy foods again.

Many seniors ignore regular dental care because of the perceived financial burden. However, good dental health is fundamental to your overall well-being. No dental insurance? No worries. Join our Cruz Club dental membership program to save time and money. Contact us today to learn more about Cruz Davis Dentistry and our dental services.