As many of our patients and community members age, we are faced with a familiar question – is senior dental care different than oral health care for middle-aged or younger adults? The simple answer is yes … and no. Although aging presents unique dental concerns, the same oral health hygiene rules apply to a 3 year old as they do to a 99 year old – brush and floss! Maintaining a good oral health routine is one of the easiest ways you can prevent adverse health complications in your oral and overall health.
Reviewing a Good Oral Health Routine
Remember, for good senior dental care, a good oral health routine begins with daily brushing and flossing. Twice a day, for two minutes each time, brush you teeth and floss your teeth at least once per day. This will remove debris and food sitting on the outer layer of your tooth. Next, remember to visit Dr. Viet Tran every six months for a dental cleaning. This will ensure that hard-to-reach plaque does not eat away at your teeth and cause cavities or tooth loss. Finally, remember to stay hydrated! As we get older, take more medications, and the amount of saliva in our mouth decreases, it is easier to get a dry mouth which can create a breeding ground for bacteria. Drink water all day to avoid this unwanted side effect.
Senior Dental Care Concerns
Each age group deals with their own unique dental concerns. Children develop cavities, adolescence need orthodontic treatment, and so on. Senior dental care is no different. Here are a few of the most common senior dental care concerns: thrush, uneven jawbone, gum disease, root decay, less saliva and sense of taste, discolored teeth, tooth loss, and stomatitis. The good news is that many of these senior dental care conditions are treatable. With good oral health care and six-month visits to Dr. Viet Tran and the Smiles of Memorial team in Houston, Texas, we can help diminish the effect of these conditions.
Senior Oral Care Treatments in Houston, Texas
At Smiles of Memorial, we understand that a beautiful, healthy smile is important for anyone, no matter your age. Dr. Viet Tran and his team offers Senior Oral Care Treatments which focus on reversing the appearance of dark spots on your teeth. Further, Dr. Viet Tran will inspect your gums for disease which can lead to tooth loss, and root decay. Lastly, if needed, Dr. Viet Tran can direct you to products that can help you produce more saliva to reduce bad breath, dry mouth, and tooth decay. For more information about Senior Oral Care Treatments in Houston, Texas or to reserve an appointment, call Smiles of Memorial, today!