Illnesses related to Oral Health and Why is it important?
Table of Contents
Why is it important?
- Darkened Teeth
- Caused by changes in dentin, or the thinning of the enamel
- Gum Disease
- Caused by plaque and worsened by food left in teeth, use of tobacco products, ill-fitting bridges and dentures, poor diets, and certain diseases, like anemia, cancer, and diabetes. It additionally causes tooth loss.
- Dry Mouth
- Saliva keeps the mouth wet, protecting teeth from decay and prevents infection by controlling bacteria, viruses, and fungi inside the mouth
- Uneven Jawbone
- When teeth are lost and not replaced with false teeth, the remainder of the teeth has an inclination to drift and shift into the open areas creating an uneven jawbone, that in turn will create appearance and bite problems.
- Stomatitis due to Dentures
- Poor-fitting dentures, poor dental hygiene, or a buildup of the candida Albicans cause this condition – inflammation of the tissue underlying a denture
- Thrush
- Diseases or drugs that affect the immune system will trigger an overgrowth of the Candida albicans within the mouth.
- Root Decay
- This is caused by exposure of the root to decay-causing acids. The tooth roots become exposed as gum tissue recedes from the tooth. Roots don’t have any enamel to shield them and are additionally vulnerable to decay than the crown.
Illnesses related to Oral Health
- Heart Ailments
- According to the American Academy of Periodontology, individuals with periodontitis are nearly twice as likely to have coronary artery disease or cardiomyopathy.
- Pneumonia
- By inhaling bacterial droplets from the mouth to the lungs, seniors are more vulnerable to the condition
- Diabetes
- Severe gum disease conjointly referred to as periodontitis, impedes the body’s ability to use insulin.
- Oral Cancer
- Oral cancer’s first warning sign is typically a growth or a sore in the mouth that does not heal.
- Hypertension
- Having an infection anywhere in the body can raise blood pressure, including the mouth.
Oral Hygiene for Seniors
- Brush at least twice on a daily basis with a fluoride-containing toothpaste
- Floss a minimum of once daily
- Rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash once or twice daily
- An antibacterial mouth rinse can cut back bacteria that cause plaque and gum disease
- Visit your dentist on a daily schedule for cleansing and an oral exam
- Consider obtaining implants
- Consider obtaining veneers
- Consider obtaining dentures
