The importance of oral care for older adults
Good oral health is vital for senior Australians' overall health, wellbeing and quality of life. The need for dental care increases as people age, but deteriorating health, cognition and mobility can leave them unable to maintain good dental hygiene - therefore more vulnerable to oral disease.
Common conditions
The elderly commonly experience the following conditions, which contribute to tooth loss:
tooth decay (dental caries)
gum disease (gingivitis, periodontal disease)
dry mouth (xerostomia), often as a side effect of taking medication.
How to prevent or manage them
maintaining daily oral hygiene (with support, if needed)
regular visits to a dental practitioner for check-ups and preventive care
timely referrals for dental treatment
oral health care planning
routine oral health assessments, both before and after entering residential aged care.
Poor oral health can:
cause pain, discomfort and infections
lead to malnutrition, which can increase the risk of infection, falls and fractures
be linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke and aspiration pneumonia
complicate management of illnesses such as diabetes, chronic heart failure and respiratory diseases.
Maintaining good oral health
Teeth should be brushed morning and night with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste
The teeth, gums and tongue should all be brushed
The mouth can be kept moist by regularly sipping or rinsing with water
Saliva substitutes can be used if necessary
Regular dental visits are important
Daily denture hygiene is an essential part of maintaining overall health
Our dental prosthetist is trained with the most up to date research and focuses on the patients’ health first. Contact us to arrange a consultation.
Source: Australian Dental Association
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