As you age, your body starts to change. These changes can cause many health issues for which we need to be extra careful about our health. Older people try to take the best care of every part of their body but miss out on an important part, which is oral health.
Oral health is as important as others, and if you do not take good care of it, then it can cause problems that are not limited to your mouth. If you are an older citizen, then it is important for you to get your dental checkup done on time. You can visit a dental practice in Valley Village. A professional dentist can help you check for any disease and guide you on how to deal with it.
One of the most common issues faced by older adults is dry mouth. It is mostly overlooked as a small problem, but it can lead to many diseases that can incredibly affect your overall oral health. Read this article to learn more about dry mouth and how you can manage it to keep your oral health safe.
What is Dry Mouth and How It Impacts Oral Health in Older Adults
Saliva is very important for protecting our mouth. It basically neutralizes acids and washes away food particles. This helps keep bacterial growth in control and keeps our teeth safe.
When saliva is not produced in the right amount, then the acid is not neutralized, which results in bacterial growth. This increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease, especially for older adults who have weak oral defenses.
Also, with a lack of salivation, food particles, and sugar remain on your teeth for longer, which can cause increased bacterial growth and acid production, which weakens our enamel.
Your hums can also get irritated and inflamed due to this bacterial growth, which can cause gingivitis and periodontitis, which can make your oral health worse.
Difficulty with Chewing and Swallowing
A dry mouth does not just cause problems in our gums and teeth, but it can also affect some basic functions and needs like chewing or swallowing as it takes more effort to chew, and swallowing can be painful due to lack of lubrication. This can make you avoid crunchy and fiber-rich foods, which can cause an imbalanced diet. This can affect your overall health.
Problems with Denture Wearer
People who wear dentures can face difficulty and discomfort when using them, as these dentures depend mainly on saliva to stay fixed and remain comfortable in your mouth. It can also add up to problems other than this, like oral fungal infection and oral thrush.
Common Causes of Dry Mouth in Older Adults
One of the main reasons for dry mouth in older adults is the side effects of certain medicines. Many drugs which are used for blood pressure, depression, or allergy can cause dry mouth.
Also, cancer patients who are going through radiation therapy can get their salivary glands damaged by these radiations, which can lead to permanent dry mouth in some cases.
Age also plays an important factor as salivary glands can shrink over time, or they can become less efficient over time, which can cause less salivary output.
How to Manage Dry Mouth for Better Oral Health
The best way to manage a dry mouth is to drink plenty of water during the whole day. If you are hydrated, then this can help in boosting saliva production and keep your mouth moist. Water can also help wash off any food particle that sticks to your teeth.
Always carry a water bottle with you and take a sip whenever you have the time, especially when you are having a meal, as it can help make chewing and swallowing easy for you. Also, try to limit your caffeine and alcohol intake, as it can dry out your mouth.
Using a mouth moisturizer can also help counter dry mouth and provide relief from dry mouth as it can act like natural saliva. There are also many saliva-stimulating products available on the market that can help stimulate your salivary glands to produce saliva.
Get Professional Help Today!
Managing dry mouth is important for older citizens so that they can maintain good oral health. If you or your loved one is suffering from dry mouth, then do not wait until the symptoms get worse. Visit a professional dentist today and get your customized care routines based on your needs and lifestyle.