Whether you have a grandmother who has been a consistent source of support in your life or an elderly neighbor who has always been helpful and reliable, you know how much value the older generations hold. That’s why it’s important to take care of them as they have tended so many people over the years. One way to help them in their later years is to be sure they receive proper dental care while in assisted living. If a senior’s smile is neglected, it can cause some serious issues for them. Here are three reasons to keep their pearly whites and gums in top condition through preventive dental care!
#1. The Connection Between Their Oral Health and Overall Wellbeing
A healthy smile is not just about bringing aesthetic value to a face or to others. The mouth is an entryway to the digestive tract, as well as close to the brain. If it has an issue that goes untreated, like gum disease, it can be dangerous to more than the teeth and soft tissues of the mouth. There is an increased risk of it spreading to other parts of the body. For example, people who suffer from gingivitis are significantly more likely to have cardiovascular issues. This is why it’s absolutely essential to have your elderly loved one visit the dentist for a checkup and cleaning every six months. This will not only protect their grin but help keep their physical health strong and thriving.
#2: Prevent Any of Their Oral Health Issues from Progressing
A major part of biannual dental visits is not just giving your pearly whites a deep clean and polish. While this is very important to keep harmful plaque and bacteria from building up (as well as making your smile fresh), there is another essential part of a six-month checkup. During the examination, the dentist is looking for any early signs of oral health issues, such as gum disease and oral cancer. They will take X-rays to catch anything that cannot be seen by the naked eye. By ensuring a senior in an assisted living facility goes to their dental appointment, a dentist can catch any issues in the early stages. This can not only save their lovely smile but the financial cost of treating a progressed disease.
#3. Help Keep Their Smiles Whole
A whole smile is, once again, not just about how it looks. While it does impact self-confidence, it truly affects everyday functioning, like eating and speaking. And for a senior, this can be life-altering. They need adequate nutrition to remain healthy and to be able to communicate to express their needs. Routine visits to the dentist can help prevent tooth loss or help complete their smile if they are already missing teeth. From dental bridges to modern dentures, they can keep their oral health and smile radiant and healthy!
About the Practice
Smile Fitness Dental Center keeps the smiles of all ages whole, healthy, and beautiful through the expertise of its team of dentists. They have tended to the oral health of Phoenix for over 30 years by providing a full range of services, including preventive care. With evening and Saturday availability, they can conveniently and successfully help keep your loved one’s teeth and gums in top condition. To schedule an appointment, contact them through their website or call (623) 849-0477.