Benefits of Dental Exams for Seniors
Dental exams are a proven and effective means of preventing serious dental problems. If tooth decay, gum disease, or another oral health issue is found, it can be treated promptly by the dental team of Gooch Family Dental.
Advanced age is a risk factor for many dental problems. Our office offers comprehensive dental exams for seniors. During your visit to our Birmingham, AL, dental practice, our dentists will look for signs of loose prosthetics, dry mouth, and other issues that commonly affect seniors.
What Happens at a Dental Exam for Seniors?
Dental exams for seniors follow steps that are similar to regular dental exams. During your exam, one of our doctors will perform a careful visual inspection of your mouth using gloved hands. You may be asked if you have experienced any oral pain or other potential signs of dental problems.
Digital x-rays or an intraoral camera may be used to look for tooth decay, gum disease, or other oral health problems. If you haven’t had an oral cancer screening in a while, one of our doctors may advise that you undergo the quick and affordable screening test.
Benefits of Dental Exams for Seniors
Dental exams for seniors are especially important because advanced age is a risk factor for many dental problems. The cumulative effects of chewing wear down enamel over the years and decades, which can leave teeth more prone to tooth decay or root canals. Other common dental problems seniors may have include:
Dry Mouth
Medications that seniors frequently take can have side effects that include dry mouth. When saliva production is impaired, it can lead to an imbalance of bacteria levels in the mouth. Saliva also helps balance pH levels in the mouth. If one of our doctors finds that you have symptoms of dry mouth, your dentist can recommend dietary changes or other habits that can mitigate the damaging effects of dry mouth.
Gum Disease
Around 70 percent of adults 65 and older have gum disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Since gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in this country, you should take the threat of periodontitis very seriously. Periodontal care and frequent dental cleanings eliminate symptoms of gum disease.
Loose or Damaged Prosthetics
A worn or loose prosthetic can lead to jaw pain or damage to nearby teeth. During your exam at our Birmingham dental practice, one of our doctors will closely examine your restorations and prosthetics to ensure that each one is in good condition.
Loose or Damaged Prosthetics
Jaw pain can result from arthritis, loose prosthetics, or other age-related factors. If you periodically experience facial pain or jaw pain, let one of our doctors know. You can be tested for symptoms of TMJ disorder.
Schedule Your Dental Exam Today
Dental exams are a convenient preventative measure that can save you time and money in the long run. If you are 65 or over, the visits are especially important for maintaining oral health. To schedule your dental exam, please contact our office online or call us at (205) 545-8001.