With October being National Dental Hygiene Month, the California Dental
Hygienists’ Association (CDHA) is urging seniors and older Americans reaching retirement age to be proactive about taking care of their teeth and mouths. As we age, our teeth age too – making them prone to cracks, breaks, and infection.
Also read: Seniors Regretting Oral Care Neglect
CDHA says aging baby boomers and seniors should pay as much attention to their mouths as they do with things like cholesterol, blood pressure, diabetes control, and overall fitness. With daily maintenance and professional checkups at least twice a year, seniors can bypass
all the normal oral health risks that come with aging.
“The roots of teeth are softer and rougher than enamel, allowing more plaque to collect and making them more susceptible to root decay” say Susan Lopez, CDHA’s president. “Without intervention and consistent care periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss. This is another important reason to receive routine dental care.”
Also read: 5 Dental Tips for Seniors
Cavities are a big concern in older adults. They are a contagious disease influenced by factors like:
- Dry mouth
- Side effects from medication.
- Alzheimer’s
- Dementia
- Parkinson’s
Patients in nursing homes or who are homebound are encouraged to seek out the services of a specially licensed dental hygienist – known in California as a Registered Dental Hygienist in Alternative Practice (RDHAP). Frequently oral health care providers are notified only when an infection or problem is causing the senior pain or inability to eat.
If you are reaching retirement age, or know a family member who is – please contact us for an immediate consultation. Prevention is better than emergency care down the road.
Also read: Seniors at Risk for Shrinking Jaws
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With October being National Dental Hygiene Month, the California Dental Hygienists’ Association (CDHA) is urging seniors and older Americans reaching retirement age to be proactive about taking care of their teeth and mouths. As we age, our teeth age too – making them prone to cracks, breaks, and infection.
Also read: Seniors Regretting Oral Care Neglect
CDHA says aging baby boomers and seniors should pay as much attention to their mouths as they do with things like cholesterol, blood pressure, diabetes control, and overall fitness. With daily maintenance and professional checkups at least twice a year, seniors can bypass all the normal oral health risks that come with aging.
“The roots of teeth are softer and rougher than enamel, allowing more plaque to collect and making them more susceptible to root decay” say Susan Lopez, CDHA’s president. “Without intervention and consistent care periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss. This is another important reason to receive routine dental care.”
Also read: 5 Dental Tips for Seniors
Cavities are a big concern in older adults. They are a contagious disease influenced by factors like:
Dry mouth
Side effects from medication.
Alzheimer’s
Dementia
Parkinson’s
Patients in nursing homes or who are homebound are encouraged to seek out the services of a specially licensed dental hygienist – known in California as a Registered Dental Hygienist in Alternative Practice (RDHAP). Frequently oral health care providers are notified only when an infection or problem is causing the senior pain or inability to eat.
If you are reaching retirement age, or know a family member who is – please contact us for an immediate consultation. Prevention is better than emergency care down the road.
Also read: Seniors at Risk for Shrinking Jaws
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