Oral care is one of those areas that are often neglected, especially when it comes to the elderly. The truth of the matter is gum problems such as periodontal disease and many others lean heavily on Americans who are sixty and above. This means that we will suffer needlessly and rack up huge medical bills for medical problems that can be handled with just a little care and attention.
Here are some of the things that you need to know about proper oral care.
Teeth Need Constant Care
While teeth generally offer few problems when they are taken care of, the reverse is also very true. If teeth are not taken care of, not only can it lead to serious dental problems but it can also lead to serious health issues in other parts of the body, some of which can even be fatal. There are many problems that can afflict our teeth but the biggest culprit is often bacterial infection. Our teeth come into contact with many kinds of food items and these scraps of food will often be left in between teeth and on the gums. This leads to a situation where bacterial colonies settle on the teeth and gradually wear down the enamel. Eventually, holes, known as cavities, form on the gums and this often leads to the loss of teeth.
Other Serious Problems
Bacterial infection does not just stop at teeth loss but can lead to very serious medical conditions. For example, gum infection can lead to periodontal disease, a condition characterized by loss of gum tissue, TMJ disorders, and even blood poisoning. This is in addition to the loss of teeth and gum tissue.
Fixing Oral Problems Can Be Expensive
While it is relatively easy to stave off oral problems, the problems that come with fixing the medical conditions that arise from oral problems can be exceedingly expensive. For example, fixing lost teeth can mean oral implants, which involves a tedious and expensive surgical process. Other problems further complicate treatment and increase the cost. A good example is jaw mass loss which requires tissue grafting to build mass. Without this, no other treatment, such as an implant, can be done.
Protecting Yourself and Your Loved Ones
Maintaining a healthy oral regime is relatively easy. You need to ensure that you brush your teeth after mealtimes. It helps to also floss and use mouthwash in order to eliminate all forms of bacteria. Dental exams are also critical. This is because most oral problems are progressive and can be prevented if caught early. Dentists can clean out bacteria from cavities, keeping your mouth healthy. Food is also important and ensuring that you and your loved ones eat a healthy diet is important in ensuring that you have great oral health.
Lead a Healthy Lifestyle at Seaton Springwood
At Seaton Springwood, we have many fitness programs including cardio and balance classes, stretching, and even yoga and tai chi for our residents to lead an active lifestyle. All of these activities are safe for our residents. Our friendly team members are also around to ensure their safety.
