Seniors And Dentures
April, 21 2015, Dabur Dental Team
Most seniors lose their teeth as they age and need to turn to dentures for proper oral care. Denture wearers need good quality at a price they can afford. Dentures may be divided into 2 categories, depending upon the need of the senior:
- Complete dentures- A full set of false teeth, which replace all the upper or lower teeth in a mouth.
- Partial dentures- This replaces just one or a few missing teeth. If elderly people ignore dentures, they may face dental problems. They will not be able to eat comfortably and speak clearly and their mouth structure will begin to sag. This will eventually lower their self-esteem.
- Ill-fitting dentures can cause discomfort and pain. When dentures begin to rub against the gums, it leads to soreness and swelling. It can also create a callus, called an epulis, which requires oral surgery to remove.
- Natural changes in the gums and jaw over time can be another factor that causes denture pain. Gums change, and over time the bone underneath the gum can shrink. A lot of seniors don’t notice this as this change is slow and progressive. The first symptom is that the dentures won’t fit properly any longer.
- Careful handling is a must. They are easily prone to breakage upon falling.
- When one is wearing dentures, it is very important to take good care of your mouth. It is important to brush your gums, tongue, and palate at least twice a day with a soft-bristled brush. This will stimulate circulation in your tissues and help remove plaque.
- Seniors must remove and brush the denture daily. When not in use, they must soak it in water.
- Dentists advise using India’s best toothpaste- Meswak and a small to medium-headed toothbrush.
- A regular 6 monthly visit to the dentist is a must to avoid further dental problems.
- These examinations are important so the dentist can spot any infections, mouth conditions or even mouth cancer at the earliest stages.
- Full-denture wearers should check with their dentist about how often they should visit.
- With regular professional care, a senior person can easily and comfortable adapt to wearing a denture.
Was this Article helpful?
| Yes | No | |||
