While everyone knows that good dental care is important for people of all ages, not everyone knows that senior dental care is incredibly important and plays a huge role in the health of the elderly. It is common and very easy for dental care to be forgotten as people age but it is connected to the overall health of a person. By making oral health care a priority, you can ensure that the seniors in your life are as healthy as possible.
The Connection to Heart Disease
Studies have shown time and time again that there is a huge connection between heart disease and oral health care. Since seniors are already at an elevated risk for heart problems, senior dental care that combats this disease is incredibly important. Patients who suffer from gum disease are at a higher risk for heart disease. By making regular trips to the dentist, brushing, and flossing, seniors can help ward off heart problems.
Pneumonia and Uneven Jawbones
There is also a connection between poor senior dental care and getting pneumonia. Bacteria that are present in the mouth can be breathed into the lungs, which allows this disease to flourish. This means that good senior dental care is important in places such as nursing homes and when there is a caregiver because the patients are unable to take care of their teeth themselves. When teeth are lost due to sickness, injury, or normal aging and they are not replaced, it is normal for existing teeth to shift position to fill in the gaps. This, over time, can cause problems with eating, drinking, and smiling.
Other health problems that can arise from poor dental care in seniors include dry mouth, root decay as the roots are exposed by receding gums, stomatitis caused by poorly-fitting dentures, and even diabetes. Visit website to learn more about the importance of oral care and how we can help you and your loved ones be as healthy as possible. You can pay a visit to Facebook page for more information.
