These Oral Issues That Elderly People Are Concerned About, Experts Suggest Doing So
Oral health is an important part of overall health. Dental caries and periodontal diseases are bacterial infectious diseases, which can harm overall health and affect the quality of life. The impact of systemic diseases on oral health cannot be ignored, and some systemic diseases can present corresponding symptoms in the oral cavity. For example, diabetes is closely related to and interacts with periodontal diseases. Specific suggestions have been put forward to address common oral problems in the elderly.
Do teeth need to be cleaned every day?
In order to maintain oral health, it is necessary to strengthen self oral hygiene management, effectively brush teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day, clean adjacent surfaces with dental floss or interdental brush at least once, and regularly apply local fluoride to protect the root surface, prevent root caries, and control the total amount and frequency of sweet food intake. Of course, regular oral examinations are also important.
Do dentures need to be cleaned every day?
Whether dental implants, fixed dentures, or removable dentures, they all require daily cleaning and maintenance just like natural teeth. Implant teeth and fixed dentures cannot be removed and worn, as there may be food residue and bacteria left around. It is necessary to brush teeth and use interdental brushes and dental impactors in conjunction.
Active dentures need to be removed and cleaned after each meal, and cleaned with a soft bristle brush. Before going to bed, remove the movable denture and soak it in cold water, or soak it in denture cleaner. The next morning, rinse it with clean water before wearing it.
What to do with gum bleeding and loose teeth?
Periodontal disease is the main cause of tooth loss. If teeth are not cleaned properly, there may be plaque accumulation, which over time can lead to gingival inflammation, alveolar bone resorption, tooth loosening, and ultimately detachment.
If the elderly have problems such as gum redness, swelling, bleeding, oral odor, loose and displaced teeth, they need to be vigilant, seek timely medical attention, and actively treat periodontal diseases. To maintain periodontal health, it is recommended to undergo at least one oral health examination every year, and to promote dental cleaning once a year to achieve early detection, diagnosis, and treatment.
What should I do if there is a change in the oral mucosa?
Elderly people are at a high risk of oral mucosal diseases. They should pay attention to changes in the oral mucosa and seek timely medical attention if they discover ulcers that have not healed for more than two weeks in the oral cavity, as well as abnormal manifestations such as induration, white or red plaques in the oral mucosa. If the oral mucosa is subjected to long-term adverse stimulation or has a habit of smoking and drinking, it is easy to develop oral leukoplakia or even oral cancer. Therefore, early prevention should be taken, smoking and drinking habits should be avoided, and betel nut chewing should be avoided.
