Toronto, Ontario, May 27, 2015 – Princeview Dental (www.PrinceviewDental.com), one of Etobicoke’s premier dental clinics, is providing expert advice for senior citizens on maintaining good oral hygiene.
“There is a strong connection between oral health and overall well-being, but many seniors may start to neglect their oral health as they age, leading to serious oral and physical health issues,” says Dr. Janice Mummery, founder of Princeview Dental. “For many seniors, taking care of their teeth and gums may get harder as they age.”
For many elderly patients, a number of health issues may result in their neglecting their oral hygiene. For instance, seniors who have had a stroke may lose the use of their dominant hand and need to relearn how to brush their teeth. Frustration may lead to them giving up on maintaining their oral health. (Source: “Senior Dental Care,” CHCH.com, May 1, 2015; http://www.chch.com/senior-dental-care/.)
“Seniors may also suffer from motor control problems and skip brushing and flossing as a result, which can lead to cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss,” she adds. “In addition, some of the medication that patients take can cause dry mouth, which can be addressed using alcohol-free mouthwashes.”
As a result, experts recommend visiting a dentist every six months. This is especially important for seniors, as they may experience a loss of sensitivity due to aging, causing them to overlook cavities. With regular dental care, a dentist can catch such issues before they become worse.
“Finally, just because patients have dentures doesn't mean that they need to stop visiting the dentist,” Dr. Mummery concludes. “Whether it's due to a poor fit or bacteria building up, not wearing dentures can lead to a number of oral and physical health issues, such as infections or pain while eating.”
Princeview Dental, a dental office in Etobicoke, is conveniently located in the Kingsway and has been serving patients of all ages for over 20 years. For more information, visit Princeview Dental's web site at www.PrinceviewDental.com.