Dental health becomes significantly vital to overall well-being as people age. Maintaining a beautiful and healthy smile can sometimes mean managing unexpected dental emergencies when it comes to seniors. Dental emergencies have the ability to lead to discomfort, pose risks to general health, and disrupt daily life. Here comes the role of emergency dental care.
This guide will illustrate the most common dental issues that seniors may experience. It will also let you know the vital solutions available to mitigate them.
Common Dental Emergencies Seniors May Face
Below are some common dental emergency issues that seniors may confront.
Lost Crowns and Fillings
Crowns and fillings are not designed to last forever. Wear and tear can lead to these restorations falling out or coming loose as time goes on. They can leave your teeth vulnerable to further sensitivity or decay. Seniors with lost crowns or filling must seek care right away to avoid complications.
Toothaches
These are some of the most common dental emergencies among seniors. Toothaches can result from gum infections, cracked teeth, or decay. When a toothache becomes persistent, it might also point out a more profound issue like an abscess. It needs emergency dental care Airdrie to prevent infection from spreading.
Gum Infections
Seniors experiencing periodontal disease are very frequent. When they leave gum infections untreated, it can worsen. It will cause loss of teeth or abscesses. These infections can also have the ability to impact overall health. Several studies have shown that gum infections can result in heart disease and diabetes complications.
Fractured or Broken Teeth
Over time, teeth can weaken. As a result, they can be more prone to fractures. An accidental fall or chewing hard foods can cause a broken or chipped tooth. A cracked tooth is capable enough to affect your smile. It can expose nerves that can cause significant pain.
Denture Issues
If dentures do not fit correctly, they can lead to pain, sores, and difficulty eating. It is to be stated that if you see sudden changes in denture fit, it may also point out underlying oral problems, like bone loss or gum recession.
Dry Mouth Complications
Certain medical conditions or medications often lead to dry mouth in seniors. Deficiency in saliva can cause increased oral infections, plaque buildup, and decay. If you leave them untreated, dry mouth can quickly convert into a dental emergency.
Effective Emergency Dental Care for Seniors
Here are some effective solutions for seniors when they face dental emergencies.
Act Quickly
The key to dealing with dental emergencies is swift action. You must contact your dentist right away if any problems are noticed. If you delay treatment, it can cause more significant problems that need invasive procedures.
Temporary Fixes at Home
You must take the necessary steps to minimize discomfort while waiting to see your dentist. For a toothache, you should rinse your mouth with warm saltwater. Moreover, you should use over-the-counter painkillers as directed by your dentist. You can temporarily reattach your crown with dental cement from a pharmacy if it falls out.
However, remember that these are short-term measures. You should not replace it with professional care.
Prevent Future Emergencies
Regular oral checkups are essential for seniors. Professional dentists can recognize prospective issues early. This helps minimize the risk of emergencies. Moreover, you must maintain a good oral hygiene routine that includes brushing and flossing. You must brush your teeth twice daily using fluoride toothpaste and floss once a day.
If you need emergency dental care for seniors for any type of dental emergency, call us now. We will provide you with the best care for seniors for sure.
