Seniors Still Need to Go to the Dentist

For seniors, a small dental problem can lead to much more significant problems. Even the smallest of cavities can lead to significant heart issues. For that very reason, seniors need to continue to go to the dentist on a regular basis, if not more often than they did when they were younger.

The latest research numbers are shocking, especially where the concern more significant problems with seniors and their oral care. In fact, researchers have found if seniors have more than three root caries (decay at the root of the tooth), the odds of suffering from cardia arrhythmia is doubled. With doctors associating this condition as a sign of more serious conditions, you can see how important it is to go to the dentist.

Lead author of the study, Dr. Poul Holm-Pederson, stated, “The findings make a strong case for the active assessment of and attention to oral problems for the older community-dwelling population.”

Even in this advanced day and age, doctors are still struggling to fully comprehend all of the risk factors concerning root carries in older people. However, as people are living longer lives, with many of them keeping their original teeth, they are now diving into the research with both feet.

While the amount of studies conducted is still a rather small sample, doctors are seeing roughly 35 percent of the seniors in these studies being impacted by problems with root caries. As more and more studies are conducted, doctors will be able to better understand the connection between dental issues and health problems in our elderly communities.

What Can You Do?

The rules pretty much stay the same our entire lives. We need to brush our teeth in the morning and before bed. Dentists also recommend flossing on a daily basis. If you are able, invest in a water flosser, as they are much more effective from removing food particles and plaque from your teeth.

If you have ever missed dental appointments for a longer period of time then sauntered back into the dentist’s office, you were more than likely brought back every four months until they were assured your oral health regimen was back on track.

As a senior, you may want to consider going back to a schedule just like that. With health problems often advancing rather quickly with seniors, that one extra appointment per year could mean the difference in catching a health problem early or not discovering it until it is too far advanced.

If you are looking for supplemental dental coverage in New Hampshire , you should consider the Wellness Dental Plan. We offer coverage for seniors, families, and small business owners. For more information, please click here.

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