{"id":2020,"date":"2021-09-02T15:02:04","date_gmt":"2021-09-02T19:02:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cliniquemaxillo.com\/?p=2020"},"modified":"2022-10-13T11:53:19","modified_gmt":"2022-10-13T15:53:19","slug":"oral-health-for-seniors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cliniquemaxillo.com\/en\/blogue\/oral-health-for-seniors\/","title":{"rendered":"The Importance of Oral Health for Seniors"},"content":{"rendered":"

Maintaining good oral hygiene can be difficult for seniors, particularly those who are partially or completely toothless. However, even without natural teeth, taking good care of your mouth is important for your overall health.<\/p>\n

In this article, our specialists explain why oral health is particularly important for seniors.<\/p>\n

Why is oral hygiene important, even without teeth?<\/h2>\n

Oral hygiene is an important part of staying healthy. There are many correlations between oral health and health in general.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s common for people to neglect their oral health as they age, particularly if they get dental implants<\/a> or partial or complete dentures. However, oral hygiene is still important for people with dental prostheses. Comprehensive oral exams and panoramic x-rays can help prevent and detect serious pathologies.<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s take a closer look at the reasons for following our oral hygiene instructions<\/a>, even for those who no longer have their teeth.<\/p>\n

Preventing oral cancer<\/h3>\n

There is a correlation between oral cancer<\/a> and poor oral hygiene. The bacteria that accumulate in the mouth can cause infections, which in turn can lead to lesions and other oral pathologies<\/a> such as mouth cancer.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s important to maintain an oral hygiene routine and visit your dentist regularly to give yourself the best chance of avoiding these issues.<\/p>\n

Preventing heart and lung disease<\/h3>\n

Did you know that there is a correlation between poor dental hygiene and heart and lung disease, particularly for seniors?<\/p>\n

When the mouth is not properly cleaned, harmful oral bacteria can proliferate. For seniors who have difficulty swallowing, the bacteria can sometimes be inhaled, causing pulmonary infections such as pneumonia.<\/p>\n

Harmful bacteria in the mouth can also cause gum infections<\/a> that affect heart health. The bacteria release toxins into the bloodstream that can damage cardiac tissue, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.<\/p>\n

Reducing the risk of periodontal disease<\/h3>\n

Gum infections and periodontal disease can have other health consequences as well as increasing the risk of serious problems like heart disease. Gums hold the teeth in place, so gums that are in poor condition can cause the teeth to loosen. Once this occurs, people tend to have trouble chewing and may even lose their teeth.<\/p>\n

Improving seniors\u2019 quality of life<\/h3>\n

Poor oral health can often result in lower quality of life. People who neglect their oral hygiene are more likely to have poor self-esteem and limit social interaction as a result. Seniors can become isolated very easily, so it\u2019s important to help them maintain good oral hygiene to combat this cause of isolation.<\/p>\n

How to adapt oral hygiene routines for seniors<\/h2>\n

Oral hygiene routines for seniors are usually the same as for the general population: brushing after meals, flossing, etc. \u00a0However, adaptations may need to be made for seniors who have reduced mobility or are partially or completely toothless.<\/p>\n

Here are a few examples of changes that can be made to adapt a dental routine:<\/p>\n