Geriatric Dentistry
Establishing and maintaining good oral health and hygiene practices early on is the best way to ensure a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. However as we age, even the best efforts can still fall short as our teeth and gums begin to change, and naturally become more vulnerable to periodontal disease and other age related ailments. Older adults have specific dental health needs that require targeted, focused attention to keep your smile as healthy and bright as ever.
Although more people are keeping more of their natural teeth into old age than ever before thanks to advancements in general and cosmetic dentistry, as well as personal dental health and hygiene habits, as many as 75 percent of people over the age of 60 rely on some form of dentures or dental implants to replace a portion of their natural teeth. And with an estimated 23 percent of seniors between the ages of 65 to 74 suffering from serious gum disease, comprehensive dental health care is an important aspect of staying healthy and active for seniors.
At-Home Dental Care for Older Adults
Dr. Frank Andriani DDS, of Visident Dental Services, is a home visit dentist providing geriatric dentistry to meet the unique oral health and denture needs of older patients. While taking measures to prevent tooth loss and gum disease are important at any age, the risks can become more pronounced as people age. Everything from lifestyle choices and diet, to genetics, medication, and underlying health conditions can contribute to oral health issues for seniors. Poor oral health can also put some people at risk for serious health conditions like heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
A Healthy Smile at Every Age
Part of a successful dental healthcare strategy for geriatric patients includes regular comprehensive dental exams, and oral health screenings. Because gums tend to shrink and recede over time, patients with full or partial dentures require regular check ups and maintenance to ensure a proper fit, and to avoid the problem of loose, uncomfortable, and ill-fitting dentures, a very common problem for long time denture wearers.
Unfortunately, due to physical ailments or otherwise, some seniors have difficulty leaving their homes which can make it hard to attend appointments and keep up with their oral health. That's why Dr. Andriani and his team at Visident Dental Services make house calls and bring the dental office to you! In the comfort and privacy of your own home, you can receive vital dental care like cleanings and exams as well as denture services.