Dental Care for Elderly
Elderly Dental Care – Southern Highlands
Save Your Tooth – Dental Care for Elderly
Welcome to Pain Free Dental Clinic!
As we get older, the risk of problems associated with our teeth also increases. Medical conditions can cause difficulties in maintaining healthy hygiene habits, and will require more frequent dental visits.
At Pain Free Dental Clinic, we live up to our name by minimising pain during treatments as much as possible. As soon as you walk through the doors of our Moss Vale clinic, we want you to feel comfortable and trust that you are taken care of by professionals.
Our team is led by our principal dentist, Dr Nikgoo, who has dedicated his career to providing comprehensive dental care for patients in the Southern Highlands and around the world. For many of our senior patients, teeth can become more sensitive and create various oral health problems, as listed below.
Darkened Teeth
The enamel, also known as the protective outer layer of the tooth will thin out over time. This is caused by years of eating, as well as lifelong habits such as smoking. As the enamel thins, the darker dentin underneath the tooth will begin to show. A darkened tooth can often be a sign for more serious damage, such as tooth decay or other diseases. Your dentist will conduct a thorough inspection to determine the cause for the discolouration.
Root canal therapy is a procedure that removes the pulp, so the tooth can be saved from further damage. The goal of root canal therapy is to preserve your natural teeth.
Tooth & Root Decay
Cavities and plaque build up affect people of all ages, but older Australians with natural teeth tends to have more tooth decay.
Over time, our gums will also naturally recede, which increases the chance of decay infecting the root of the tooth. Root canal treatments will be required to prevent the permanent loss of the tooth.
Gum Disease
Gum disease is common among elderly patients as their teeth have been exposed to plaque and food debris for longer. Poor diets, smoking, ill-fitting dentures and diseases such as anaemia and diabetes can all increase the risk of gum disease.
Learn how gum health affects overall health and how to care for your gums at home with practical tips.
Stomatitis
Also known as an inflamed or sore mouth, stomatitis can result from poor oral hygiene or poorly fitted dentures. As natural teeth are lost, dentures, dental bridges, and dental implants are excellent alternatives that restore function and appearance.
However, many people forget that artificial teeth still requires excellent hygiene habits. You must maintain brushing twice a day, and dentures should be cleaned after each meal. Regular dental check-ups every six months is recommended to ensure no problems arise. This will help detect and resolve problems early, which can also help to reduce costs.
For tips on long-term implant care, see Practical Tips for Long-Lasting Implant Success.