Golden old age: may decaying teeth not disturb your peace

Old age brings not only more time and freedom but also a variety of health concerns and risks. Oral and dental health is no exception. What is important for seniors to know about dental health and dental services?

Inevitable changes

With age, the human body becomes increasingly more vulnerable to various health risks and complications. Unfortunately, teeth are still one of the most neglected areas of the body. It is extremely important to remind seniors that dental care is an equally important part of their health routine.

Aging causes the following changes in the oral mucosa and teeth:

• Dental discolouration, appearance of dark spots. Colour changes are caused by the consumption of staining foods and natural changes in the dentine, i.e. the hard tissue of the tooth.
• Increased tooth sensitivity and fragility.
• Dry mouth caused by slowed saliva circulation. This change is most often caused by medication or specific diseases.
• Diminished sense of taste due to changes in the receptors.
• Tooth decay caused by acids, sugars and carbohydrates. The body’s overall resistance weakens, causing the enamel to deteriorate more quickly.
• Gum diseases, which not only damage the soft tissues of the mouth but also destroy bone, causing tooth decay.
• Tooth loss, which is accelerated by tooth decay, gum disease and other factors.

The solution is always there

Although there is no 100% guarantee against the deterioration of teeth over time, senior people can ensure effective protection against dental disease and rapid diagnosis. How? It is actually pretty simple:

Regular dental care. Sounds obvious? Not really. Hygiene skills can get worse with age. This is sometimes due to other conditions (like arthritis, which affects the joints and makes it harder to move around). Therefore, reminding older relatives about the importance of oral hygiene can significantly prolong the comfort of their teeth and mouth. Teeth should be brushed with a toothbrush and dental floss at least twice a day; the mouth should be rinsed with an antibacterial mouthwash at least once a day.

Regular visits to the dentist. To protect teeth from decay and other diseases as effectively as possible, thorough brushing at home is not enough. Seniors should visit the dentist regularly (if they do not have any dental or oral diseases, it is recommended to have a check-up at least twice a year). If a problem is detected in time, treatment can be started immediate and healthy teeth can be protected.

Health is a precious asset that must be cherished regardless of age. By taking care of their teeth regularly, seniors will be able to enjoy their well-deserved rest without stress.