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At Landmark Dental Group, we believe in dental health for the whole family.

Elders have special dental concerns that should be checked on by dentists who see geriatric patients in their practice at least twice a year. Older people are more likely to run into issues with both their teeth and gums. But why is that, exactly?

Tooth enamel may seem very hard, but it’s actually porous and relatively thin. As we age, the enamel starts to thin out even in otherwise healthy teeth. This can lead to symptoms like sensitivity to heat and cold. Plus, it makes cavities more likely.

Gums also need to be proactively protected in the golden years. Gum tissue will naturally recede from the teeth over time, so the gums can become more vulnerable to damage and infection. Teeth that are fully intact can still get loose and need restoration, too.

How Often Should Elders Visit a Geriatric Dentist?

In general, people aged 55 and older should schedule two appointments with their dentist each year. You should set up more frequent appointments if you notice symptoms or have an active dental concern that should be checked on regularly.

Be sure to contact a geriatric dentist for any of these issues:

Dry Mouth

Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, takes place when natural production of saliva is hindered. Saliva helps defend teeth against bacteria and maintain the pH balance of your mouth, so it should be treated whenever it arises. Although dry mouth is often caused by medications, it can also be relieved with medicine, certain mouthwashes, and even some sugarless gums.

Root Caries

Dental caries are familiar to just about everyone – they’re cavities. But did you know root caries can also take place? Root caries can happen when decay in the front surface of the teeth damages nearby gum tissue. Gum tissue can recede below the enamel line and may pull sharply away from the tooth surface. Prompt treatment is important to protect the tooth.

Tooth Attrition

Thanks to ordinary contact between teeth, tooth surfaces can wear down over time. Sometimes, this causes intermittent pain. It can also make cracking and chipping more likely. An occasional x-ray is important for monitoring the structural integrity of teeth. If you habitually grind your teeth, geriatric dentists may be able to help you minimize damage.

Easier Dental Care with Trusted Geriatric Dentists in Santa Cruz

Let’s face it: No one wants to sit in a dentist’s office all day long, and many people are wary of dental procedures that might be uncomfortable. At Landmark Dental Group, we make treatment easy, efficient, and affordable. We want you to feel comfortable every step of the way.

For those with dental anxiety, we offer safe and easy sedation dentistry. You can have a pleasant nap while we take care of everything. We pride our practice on being insurance-friendly, too, so it’s as easy as it can be to use your dental benefits. We even offer a senior discount.

To find out more, contact Landmark Dental Group.

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While many people are born with diabetes, others develop it later in life. Diabetes is a chronic illness that stems from the body’s inability to produce or utilize insulin, a substance that helps turn sugars in food into fuel.

In the wake of a diabetes diagnosis, people often have many questions. What many don’t suspect is that dental health is important in diabetes. Likewise, a Santa Cruz dentist is a key member of your diabetes wellness team.

The Unexpected Connection Between Diabetes and Oral Health

Although most people think about blood sugar and liver health when they hear “diabetes,” it actually has a number of effects all throughout the body. Many of these can be controlled using proactive approaches to optimal health – but others remain as ongoing concerns.

One of them is dental health.

People with diabetes have a tendency to have impaired blood circulation in the extremities. One drawback of this condition is that it takes longer for many superficial wounds to heal. When you are injured, blood flow should naturally increase in the damaged area to support recovery.

For those with diabetes, healing takes place, but not usually as quickly as a typical non-sufferer.

That being the case, those with diabetes need to be careful to avoid situations where they might risk superficial wounds to the extremities. Special shoes have been designed to protect the feet, for example – and they should also be cautious about dental health.

With diabetes, the minor abrasions from brushing too hard can take a long time to heal.

In a more serious situation, gingivitis – a mild inflammation of the gums – can progress more easily into full-blown gum disease because it is more difficult for the periodontal tissue to carry a rich blood supply to the teeth. Gums can recede and teeth may fall out.

Your Santa Cruz Dentist Can Support Robust Health For Diabetes Sufferers

With all this in mind, it’s important to set regular appointments with your Santa Cruz dentist.

Your dentist can help you maintain your teeth and keep an eye out for problems that might otherwise go unnoticed, including cavities and infections. The sooner treatment begins, the more likely it is that problems will be resolved quickly.

To keep your teeth and gums healthy with diabetes, always remember:

• Infections and other complications are less likely in those who do not smoke;
• Controlling your glucose levels is essential to protecting your teeth and gums;
• You should strive to brush teeth at least twice and floss at least once every day;
• If dentures are used, remember to remove them at night and clean them daily.

While the average adult might plan to see the dentist only once a year, it’s best to schedule at least two visits a year – once every six months. That’s true both for people who have chronic conditions that affect dental health and for elders over age 55.

Landmark Dental Group can protect your smile even through diabetes.

To find out more, contact us today.