When you reach your golden years, visiting your dentist on a regular basis for teeth cleanings and checkups is the best way to maintain a healthy smile. To better understand your oral health and potential issues, here’s a list of dental problems that senior citizens are susceptible to. 

3 Common Oral Health Issues Seniors Experience

1. Dry Mouth

Saliva production helps keep your mouth healthy as it washes away food debris, cleans your teeth, and reduces bad breath or the odds of decay. Since dry mouth is a common side effect of medications used to treat depression, high blood pressure, anxiety, pain, and cancer, elderly patients often deal with this issue. By working with a dentist, you can come up with a routine to promote saliva production that includes diet changes, added hydration, mouthwash, and medication adjustments. In addition, your dentist can fit you with fluoride trays to further protect your teeth from decay. 

2. Tooth Loss

Smoking, nutrition, and poor oral hygiene can result in tooth loss as you age. In fact, nearly one of out every five dental patients over the age of 65 have lost all of their teeth. A dentist can offer solutions to restore your smile, such as dentures and dental implants to help you chew, speak, and maintain your facial structure. 

3. Gum Disease

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, roughly 68% of adults over the age of 65 have gum disease. Since this prevalent condition can result in bleeding, irritated gums, bad breath, and tooth loss, visiting a dentist for checkups and treatment is imperative. 

If you’re a senior citizen in Laurel County, KY, and you’re looking for a dedicated dentist that can help you maintain top-notch oral health and a beautiful smile, Premier Dental can help. Conveniently located in the city of London and boasting over 30 years of experience serving the community, you can depend on these dental experts for a variety of services, from teeth cleaning to dentures, dental implants, and veneers. Call today at (606) 877-3002 to schedule an appointment and visit their website for more information.