With advancing age, it is very important for everyone to take care of their oral health. However, there are challenges on the way. Tooth sensitivity and dry mouth are some of the pestering problems with old age. It is very important to understand and know the underlying causes of these issues. Let’s find out how these problems can be managed by senior citizens.
What Leads to Tooth Sensitivity in Senior Citizens?
When the inner layer of the tooth, known as dentin, gets exposed, people experience the symptoms of tooth sensitivity. Enamel protection often gets reduced due to natural wear and tear. This makes teeth more reactive to extremes of temperature and even acidic or sweet foods.
Tooth sensitivity often occurs due to worn-out fillings or crowns, gum recession, poor dietary habits, aging, etc. It can be uncomfortable to have fruits and beverages or even to brush teeth properly.
How to Manage Sensitive Tooth?
People who are in their sixties or above can brush with a soft-bristle toothbrush, go for regular dental checkups, and avoid acidic foods or extreme temperatures. They need to use toothpaste that is specially formulated for sensitive teeth. Those suffering from gum disease should treat it early on to prevent further exposure to major dental problems.
Protective coatings, bonding agents, or fluoride applications may be useful in some cases, ensuring long-term relief from such problems.
Why Dry Mouth Problems Occur in Seniors?
Dry mouth can occur due to aging, but it is not a normal part of the process. It can also occur when someone is under multiple medications, like heart conditions, depression, allergies, diabetes, and high blood pressure.
Insufficient fluid consumption, dehydration, radiation therapy, and other cancer treatments, as well as the presence of medical issues like autoimmune disorders or diabetes, can lead to a dry mouth problem.
Dry mouth problems, if left unattended, can lead to bad breath. There could be difficulties in speaking, swallowing, or chewing. Thrush and other oral infections can occur. Further, there can be a rise in the risk of gum disease and tooth decay, and many other issues.
How to Manage Dry Mouth Problems?
It is important to make some changes in daily habits to alleviate these problems. Older adults should try to avoid tobacco, alcohol, and caffeine altogether or reduce their intake to a minimum. They should stimulate saliva by chewing lozenges or sugar-free gum during the day. They should also sip water often to keep the mouth moist. With the help of alcohol-free mouthwash, there can be greater benefits. Staying hydrated is crucial!
What Other Things Can Be Done?
It is a good idea to get help from family members, who can help accompany older adults to dental clinics for a quick consultation. They can encourage balanced nutrition and hydration and ensure the same for such patients.
Dry mouth and tooth sensitivity are common problems in older adults. However, with proper care, regular check-ups, and guidance from a trusted dental clinic in Kolkata, these issues can be effectively managed or treated. Simple preventive measures and timely treatment can significantly improve comfort, oral health, and overall quality of life.