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Good dental care in of importance for the elderly folks to enable them to:

• eat and chew properly
• converse and communicate well 
• look attractive and have self confidence 
• enjoy quality life 

• In comparison to young people, senior citizens are more at risk to loss of teeth, dental caries and gum infection.  This is due to improper dental care when young and reduction of saliva secretion because of certain diseases or intake of medication. 

Other Problems:

• Dental Caries (occur at the root of the teeth amongst senior citizens) causes:

  • sensitive teeth

  • teeth hurt

  • dysfunctional teeth

   

• Gums infection causing

  • bleeding and imflammation

  • loosening of gums

  • falling of gums

   

• Teeth damage, gums infection that involves the nerves will lead to

  • unattractive looking face 

  • sensitive

  • pain

  • dead  teeth

  • loss of teeth

   

• Loss of teeth will cause

  • the loss of support in facial muscles

  • facial skin to wrinkle

  • to look older

  • unleveled jaw bones

  • poor foundation for dentures 

  • hinder food intake and adaptability to the dentures 

   

  what should be done

  • Senior citizens should actively care for their teeth and work hand in hand with their dentists to ensure complete dental cleanliness 

  • Forget the assumption that teeth will drop with age. Do not accept the use of denture as a normal practice.

  • There new techniques in dental care and they should proactively look for them. 

  • Retain the habit of correct brushing of the teeth for 5-10 minutes twice daily.

  • Proper care of dentures.

  • Go for regular examination for early detection of problems.