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While seniors must get their daily nutrition and exercise to maintain health, it is important that their teeth and gums are taken care of, too. When we grow old, we tend to forget the things that help us stay healthy, and that includes taking care of our oral health. If you're taking care of older folk, or you are in your senior stage, you must pay attention to this aspect.
With that said, here are five reasons seniors should maintain their oral health:
1. Fends Off Heart Disease
Scientists have linked gum disease with heart disease. They have concluded that those with gum diseases are twice as likely to develop heart disease. It is found that cavities, loss of teeth, and other problems that occur in the mouth are a good signal that heart disease is developing. It is believed to be just as good as looking at the cholesterol levels and an individual's body.
2. Keep the Teeth White
As the body grows older, the dentine in the teeth changes according to the food items we eat. If most meals consist of food items that are prone to staining the teeth, the dentine will start to absorb that color, turning the teeth dark. In addition to that, not cleaning the teeth properly after a meal can also lead to the same problem of dark teeth. The thinning of the enamel on our teeth also leads to the exposure to the dentine that follows, contributing to the darkened color.
3. Counteracts Tooth and Root Decay
The teeth and roots of the teeth are also prone to decay if food particles are left to sit in the mouth for too long. This is a prevalent issue, especially among the elderly. Once the tooth decays, the roots become exposed. Without protection, the roots start to decay as well.
4. Stops Gum Disease
Many things can cause gum disease. The most common reason for it to occur is that one doesn't thoroughly brush (or brush at all) the teeth after a meal. This causes food and plaque to be left on the teeth, harboring bacteria and leading to gum disease. Other factors like tobacco use, infections, bad diets, and so on can also contribute to gum disease. Gum disease leads to tooth loss and causes a whole host of issues to the rest of the body.
5. Avoids Pneumonia
When bacteria grow in the mouth due to poor dental care, these micro-organisms are susceptible to being breathed into the lungs by the host. This can lead to pneumonia, a condition where the lung becomes inflamed due to infection, causing pus to form inside the sacs of the lungs.
In conclusion, a healthy mouth plays a huge role in ensuring that the rest of the body is just as healthy. With that said, always make sure that you keep your teeth clean, especially when you get older. If you have any older folks with you, help them get their teeth cleaned too. In doing so, not only are you saving a fortune in medical bills, but also enhancing their quality of living.
If you are looking to learn more about dental care in Ypsilanti, get in touch with us today for a free consultation.
