As a senior citizen, your oral health should be a top priority. Even if you are dealing with other health issues, your oral health is important as it can impact your overall health. It is never too late to practice good oral hygiene. If you do not practice good oral hygiene as a senior citizen, you risk several health issues. Here are some examples of issues that can happen to senior citizens without a proper oral hygiene routine.

Dry Mouth

Dry mouth can impact those of all ages, but it is especially prevalent in seniors. Seniors typically take medication that causes dry mouth to occur more often. Saliva is necessary to combat dry mouth. Saliva helps remove dangerous bacteria in the mouth that can cause tooth decay and tooth loss. Dry mouth also causes gum disease.

Gum Recession

Part of growing older is gum recession. As the gums recede, the teeth are more apt to loosen and possibly fall out. It can also result in gum disease. You can avoid the pitfalls of gum recession by brushing and flossing daily and seeing your dentist for regular checkups.

Oral Cancer

Although anyone can get oral cancer by using tobacco and consuming alcohol, age is also a risk factor. Keeping your mouth healthy and seeing your dentist as part of your oral hygiene routine can greatly reduce your chances of suffering from oral cancer. Senior citizens can have an oral cancer screening performed by the dentist at each checkup to help reduce the potential of developing the disease.

Bone Loss

As people grow older, bones begin to deteriorate. Bone loss is very commonly seen in women. The teeth are held in place by the jaw bone. As the bone begins to deteriorate, you can experience tooth loss if you are not on top of your oral hygiene care. In addition to natural bone loss, you may also expedite bone loss by taking medication. Those who suffer from osteoporosis can also deal with jaw bone loss and potential tooth loss. You need to work with your dentist to get on a good oral hygiene regimen that includes a protocol for bone loss.

Cognitive Issues

You may not think cognitive issues and oral care are related. However, there is a relationship between dementia and oral health. For that reason alone, you should take good care of your teeth in your senior years. Visit a family dentist to take care of your teeth. 

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