If it’s not one thing it’s another when it comes to aging. At Derby Dental we take pride in understanding our the dental care needs of our senior patients and the issues that they face. As we age, unfortunately, our mouth and teeth age as well. Many of our patients are taking one or more medications.
Dry Mouth
The number one side effect of most medications is dry mouth. But dry mouth can also result from the aging process or just daily stress. This dry mouth leads to greater risks of cavities, gum disease and mouth infections. We all know that saliva in your mouth starts the process of digestion, but it also helps wash bacteria and food off your teeth. This defense is essential to your oral health. As we age, the soft root surfaces become exposed with recession, brushing techniques, clenching/grinding and bite changes over time. To offset the effects of dry mouth, our dentists recommend sipping water throughout the day, chewing sugarless gum or sucking on sugar free candy. Besides avoiding caffeine, dry and salty foods, alcohol and cigarettes, we may also recommend using an artificial saliva product.
Oral Cancer
One of the other dental care risks for our senior patients is the increased risk for oral cancer. The average age for the diagnosis of oral cancer is now 62 years. At Derby Dental we have the most advanced techniques for the screening of oral cancer, Oral ID. Our senior dental patients should be vigilant in their semi-annual cleanings and screenings. Maintenance and prevention are the best options to optimize care and to minimize costs.
Financial Challenges
Another factor that is important to our senior dental patients is insurance. Many of our patients are entering retirement and may no longer have dental insurance. This transition affects the patients’ ability to afford and seek essential dental care. That’s why Derby Dental offers an in-house financial plan (Derby Care Plan) that mimics some of the same insurance benefits once seen with dental
insurance. The Derby Care Plan offers patients a way to have normal preventive procedures covered and discounted rates on recommended treatments by our dentists.
At Derby Dental, we care about providing our senior patients
the best and most affordable dental care in Austin, TX. Don’t put off your regular screenings and
hygiene.