Senior Dental Care
Oral health is an important part of aging. Our office specializes in providing compassionate dental care for seniors.
Senior Dental Care in Tucson, AZ
After the age of 55, your oral health undergoes changes, making it essential to prioritize dental care for overall well-being. Our dental office recognizes the interconnectedness of dental health with your entire body, emphasizing the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene to support a healthy lifestyle.
As you age, tooth decay and gum disease risk increases significantly, making proactive dental care crucial. Whether you have retained all your natural teeth, utilized partials, or worn dentures, our comprehensive senior dental services are tailored to address the specific needs of individuals aged 55 and above.
Our commitment to promoting a lifetime of healthy smiles is reflected in our range of senior-focused services. Explore some of our key offerings below:
- Comprehensive Oral Examinations: Receive thorough oral examinations to assess the condition of your teeth, gums, and overall oral health. Our experienced dental professionals will identify issues early on and create personalized treatment plans to address them.
- Proactive Gum Care: Since gum health is paramount, we provide specialized gum care services to prevent and manage gum disease. Regular cleanings and targeted treatments are designed to maintain the health of your gums, reducing the risk of complications.
- Tooth Decay Prevention and Treatment: Our team employs advanced techniques to prevent and treat tooth decay. From fluoride treatments to dental sealants, we have a range of preventive measures to safeguard your natural teeth.
- Denture Maintenance: We offer specialized services to ensure a proper fit and comfortable wear if you wear dentures. Regular check-ups help identify any adjustments needed for optimal denture function.
- Partial Denture Services: We provide tailored solutions to enhance comfort and functionality for those with partial dentures. Our team will guide you through proper care and maintenance to extend the lifespan of your dental prosthetics.
- Oral Health Education: Knowledge is key to maintaining a healthy smile. Our team will provide educational resources and personalized guidance on effective oral hygiene practices, empowering you to take control of your dental well-being.
By choosing our Senior Dental Care services, you invest in a proactive approach to oral health beyond routine check-ups. We are dedicated to helping you achieve and maintain a healthy, radiant smile throughout your golden years. Don’t let age be a barrier to a confident and healthy set of teeth—experience the comprehensive care you deserve with our specialized senior dental services.
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What are common dental problems among seniors?
Darkened teeth: As you get older, the bone-like tissue under the enamel of your teeth (Dentin) will begin to change and ultimately become thinner, causing the darker, yellow color of teeth.
Dry mouth: Reduced saliva flow is a common side effect of over-the-counter and prescription medications, more regularly taken by seniors, making dry mouth one of the common oral health changes experienced by seniors.
Gum disease: This problem is often experienced by older adults and can result from plaque buildup, poor-fitting dentures, poor diets, or even certain diseases such as cancer, anemia, and diabetes.
Root decay: As you get older, it’s common for gums to recede, causing tooth roots to become exposed. When this happens, your roots are more prone to decay because they do not have any enamel to protect them.
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What dental problems can cause health issues?
Taking care of your teeth, and gums, as you age is critical to avoid tooth loss and reduce your risk of other health-related problems, such as:
- Heart disease: Bacteria from your mouth can contribute to cardiovascular disease, and even heart attacks, by moving to your bloodstream through your gum tissue and into the walls of blood vessels.
- Respiratory infections: Bacteria from your mouth can also reach the lungs, causing infections in older adults, often leading to pneumonia. Your dental health is crucial for your respiratory health.
- Diabetes: Seniors with diabetes are more susceptible to developing gum disease, making it more important than ever that you keep good oral hygiene because it can become harder to control blood sugar levels once you have gum disease.
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How can seniors take care of their teeth as they age?
As you age, your immune system naturally weakens, making taking care of your teeth and gums more important than ever, especially because after the age of 50 plaque builds up more quickly and can be more difficult to get rid of.
Here are our tips for dental care for seniors.
- Practice good dental hygiene by brushing and flossing your teeth after every meal. Electric toothbrushes are extremely helpful for those with arthritis.
- Visit your dentist regularly for cleanings and exams. This will help identify issues early on so you can stop and prevent large, costly problems.
- Drink water. Water has numerous health benefits for oral health, such as washing away food and helping prevent dry mouth.
- Stop smoking. Smoking is not only hard on your teeth, it puts you at a higher risk for lung and oral cancers. Quitting this habit will decrease your risk of health issues–dental or otherwise.
Questions About Senior Dental Care?
If you have any questions or concerns about caring for your teeth as you get older, contact us or request your next appointment. We also provide a variety of preventative, restorative, and cosmetic dental services. What do you want to do next?
