Old age is usually associated with increased wisdom, experience and sadly, poor health. Every elderly individual deserves to spend his/her golden years relaxing and without discomforts. Unfortunately for some, they get to experience some bothersome ailments that deny them a chance to fully enjoy the remaining years of their lives. Dental problems, for example, are very synonymous with old age, and it is highly crucial that they be addressed with the same intensity that they deserve.

Dental Problems that Affect Seniors

If you are an elderly person, have you been able to determine whether the changes affecting your dental health are normal, or rather potentially serious? If not, take a look at the following oral ailments that are known to affect seniors and take the necessary measures to ensure that they don't turn out to be a threat to your overall health and well-being.

• Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is an oral condition characterized by teeth loss. This is probably the most common type of dental problem that old people suffer from.  The teeth may loosen and come off on their own until all of them are gone – that is if one is lucky enough to live long enough.

• Gum Disease

This oral issue isn't an inevitable part of aging, yet many old people lose their teeth because of it. This disease is triggered by bacteria buildup in the mouth. This then leads to inflammation of the gums. If ignored, this oral disease cannot only prolong an old-timer's agony, but it can also develop into a more serious form of gum disease known as periodontal disease.

• Dental Cavities

Most people presume cavities to be "child's play", but more seniors also get affected by them as well. Studies indicate that cavities are the second most prevalent ailments after common cold. If you or a loved one is struggling with cavities during old age, it's advisable that the services of a dentist be sought.

How to Deal with Dental Problems during Old Age

There are various ways in which seniors can deal with dental problems. In the case of osteoporosis, there is always an option of dental implants. Further decaying of teeth can be prevented by adopting oral hygiene practices such as brushing and flossing at least twice per day, eating a balanced diet, and avoiding foods that are non-friendly to your teeth, i.e. sugary, sticky and acidic foods or drinks. Drinking alcohol and use of tobacco products is also strongly discouraged.

Now that you are aware of the dental problems that plague the elderly, it is only wise if you or your aging loved one go for regular dental checkups with a person like Jeremy Archibald DDS PC to determine the state of their oral health. This can help greatly in reducing the discomforts that are usually associated with these problems.