Whether it pertains to stairlifts or not, when Acorn Stairlifts says that we care about our customers and their well-being, only wanting to give them the best, we mean it.
This also applies to our customers’ overall quality of life.
We want you to lead the healthiest, happiest, and most fulfilling lives possible. We want to see you succeed and reach new heights not only in mobility and independence but in all areas of their lives.
Without further ado, welcome back to “Acorn Stairlifts Tip of the Week,” a series in which we will equip seniors with all the knowledge, tools, and helpful advice that they need to succeed in their lives—ranging anywhere from physical health, to saving money with senior discounts, and just about everything in between.
Read on to learn about this week’s tip that is sure to bring a smile to your face.
The Acorn Stairlifts Senior Tip of the Week
Prevent and keep common senior dental issues such as gum disease, tooth decay, and oral cancer in check by visiting your dentist regularly.
It is important for people of any age to tend to their teeth, but it is especially important specifically for seniors, who are already more susceptible to dental issues that can severely affect their overall health.
Generally, dentists advise that you pay them a visit at least once or twice a year. However, depending on the health of your teeth and dental treatment required, you may have to visit the dentist more often.
Regular appointments with your dentist prevent future oral issues from occurring and keep present oral issues from advancing into more serious and dangerous conditions.
What are Some Common Senior Dental Conditions?
As we age, our bodies gradually start to feel the wear and tear that comes with growing older—This applies to our teeth too.
Years of continuous chewing, consumption of acidic or sugary foods, teeth grinding, tobacco use, plaque buildup, and tooth decay can have a significant, damaging effect on our oral health, as well as our overall health.
Here are some of the dental conditions that seniors need to be especially wary of:
- Tooth Discoloration
- Dental Caries (Tooth Decay)
- Tooth Loss
- Gum Disease: Gingivitis and Periodontitis
- Xerostomia (Dry Mouth)
- Oral Mucosa
- Oral Infections
- Mouth Ulcerations
- Thrush
- Oral Cancer
- Halitosis (Bad Breath)
Despite the increased likelihood of contracting these conditions as you age, you can prevent the majority of them by being proactive and practicing proper dental hygiene throughout your life.
The Detriments of Neglecting Dental Care for Seniors
Many people are aware of some of the consequences of neglecting dental care related to your teeth such as bad breath, gum disease, tooth decay, tooth loss, or any of the common conditions listed above. However, the detriments of neglecting oral health actually go even farther beyond just the teeth, gums, and tongue.
Here are some of the other detriments that you can suffer from if you neglect to take care of your teeth:
- Hinders general nutrition
- Increases risk of arthritis
- Increases risk of heart disease
- Increases of pancreatic cancer
- Increases risk of hypertension
- Increases risk of stroke
- Increases risk of cancer
- Can lead to potentially serious blood infections such as sepsis
- Increased risk of kidney disease
- Increases risk of diabetes
- Increases risk of respiratory issues
- Advanced gum disease associated with poor pregnancy outcomes, including preterm birth and low birth weight
- Increases risk of premature death in older women past the age of menopause
- May increase the risk of dementia
- Spending more money on dental treatments
The Benefits of Practicing Proper Oral Hygiene for Seniors
Conversely, practicing proper oral hygiene has many benefits beyond a beautiful smile.
Here are some of the benefits that you can expect to experience when you take the time to care for your teeth:
- Decreases risk of serious oral diseases such as gum disease
- Decreases risk of arthritis
- Decreases risk of heart disease
- Decreases risk of hypertension
- Decreases risk of stroke
- Decreases risk of cancer
- Decreases risk of kidney disease
- Decreases risk of diabetes
- Decreases risk of respiratory issues
- Promotes regular ovulation and healthier pregnancies
- Decreases risk of premature death in older women past the age of menopause
- Decreased risk of dementia
- Saves money on expensive dental procedures that treat oral problems
What Can I Do to Double Down on My Dental Care?
Want to learn how to begin practicing proper dental care and reaping the benefits that come with a healthy, beautiful smile?
Click here to read how you can double down on your dental care and start forming healthy habits for a happy mouth.
