Geriatric dentistry, or ‘Seniors’ Dentistry’

Seniors’ dentistry carries high priority nowadays. The seniors’ dentist is an important specialist because older patients often have different problems than younger ones. Nowadays many people keep their own teeth longer, often well into old age. That is a good development, but it also brings its own challenges as the elderly can have specific conditions that affect their dental and oral health.

Senior dentistry needs a holistic approach

The seniors’ dentist has to take a comprehensive view of their patient, because older people often suffer from different diseases that involves taking several medications, known as polypharmacy.

Teeth and gums are often the focus of senior dentistry. These can include dentures, fillings, dental implants, periodontal disease, professional teeth cleaning, and prophylaxis, or preventative care. Even the temporomandibular joints (CMD) are included in examinations, so the holistic view is important. Under certain circumstances, the dentist may even contact the family doctor after his consultation with the senior patient.

Oral health as an important basis in senior health care

Regular prophylaxis, professional teeth cleaning and examination of the gums are essential measures to maintain overall health, because oral health is directly related to the overall physical well-being of the patient. It should be noted that some clinical conditions, like periodontitis, for example, are related to systemic diseases. If poor oral hygiene is maintained, inflammatory processes can spread through the bloodstream in the body. The danger of cardiac, circulatory diseases or lung diseases also increase with age. Some medications can also affect oral health by causing a dry mouth, like diuretics, for instance. The seniors’ dentist will advise you about this.

What is special about the dental treatment of seniors or senior dentistry?

Dentures are one of the most common treatments that elderly patients visit the dentist for. In any treatment, the seniors’ dentists will take care not to overburden their patients. Older people often suffer from several diseases that have to be borne in mind before, during and after any treatment. Whether they are taking any medication, restricted mobility, reduced or poor eyesight, or loss of hearing are often factors that the seniors’ dentist and his team have to take into account when treating seniors.

The seniors’ dentist takes great care to take all the above factors into account when treating seniors. This means a lot to the patient concerned.