Health Manipulation

Recently, the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions (CDC) National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) began performing studies on the topic of older adults and oral health. The good news is that more adults than ever are keeping their natural teeth. After age sixty-five, however, a significant decrease is noted. In some cases, the reasons were related to side effects from medications taken for chronic conditions that are detrimental to dental health. These medications include antidepressants, antihistamines and diuretics. Much of the disparity may be because of the sharp decrease in income when people retire from their jobs. People with lower incomes are most likely to eliminate dental visits than those with higher incomes. Many, in fact, begin losing their natural teeth and are unable to afford replacing them. This may be directly related to older adults not having dental insurance any longer. In fact, only approximately twenty-two percent of older people have dental coverage.

The study showed that at least one-third of adults sixty-five and older have either periodontal issues or untreated dental caries, or both. This equates to approximately one in four adults in that age group as opposed to one in seven adults in the 35 44 year old group. The research also showed that older adults over fifty-five experience a higher rate of oral cancer, especially if they smoke or drink heavily.

It is important to note that the greatest deterrent to these types of statistics is prevention. Whether a person can afford dental insurance or not, everyone can practice good oral health habits. Knowledge plays an important role in dental health regimens. Knowing the types of problems that occur more frequently in certain age ranges can help in choosing the appropriate type of Bee Cave dental care.

Many older adults develop dental issues as a result of procedures that were performed a number of years earlier. Often fillings and crowns become exposed by gum disease or are simply so old that they fall out. In many instances this can leave a person with a chipped or cracked tooth that requires extraction. Unfortunately, if a number of teeth are missing, other problems arise such as crowded teeth and a sunken jaw which require extensive work to correct.

Older people who wear dentures that were created years ago may have become ill-fitting and even irritating to the gums. With all of the new technology available, options such as dental implants could correct the issue for the rest of their lifetime. If insurance is not affordable and income is low, however, the chances of them receiving that type of procedure is slim. Thus, additional problems arise.

The bottom line on older adults and good oral health in many ways is no different than that required by younger people. Prevention and maintenance are still the best ways to keep your teeth and gums healthy.