Dental care is essential for every age group, but it is more important for elderly people as they need special care. Elderly people in Wichita Falls face unique challenges in managing dental emergencies; therefore, being aware of dental health must be necessary to be prepared in advance. If a senior person breaks a tooth and has pain and difficulty while eating, it may lead to various complications. Visit emergency dentistry Wichita Falls to have a detailed conversation and consultation with an experienced dentist.
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What are the common dental emergencies in seniors?
Dental Health is essential for all elderly people as they age more and more, as these senior people are much more prone to dental accidents and emergencies. These emergencies cause pain and much discomfort that significantly impacts the overall health of a person, as they will not be able to have any food properly. Here are some of the examples of dental emergencies that all seniors might encounter when it comes to dental cases:
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Issue of Toothaches
Elderly people tend to experience many more toothaches than youngsters due to gum diseases, toothaches, and severely exposed roots. Toothaches that are not treated for a long time become much more complex issues that may include abscesses and infections. Therefore, immediate attention is essential to control the pain and prevent further complications. Toothaches in seniors might lead to more severe diseases; hence, it is essential to treat them on time.
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Chipped or broken teeth
Fragile teeth are much more prone to chipping and breakage, which causes damage to the teeth internally. Elderly people might sustain these injuries after biting any hard substance or food, the habit of teeth grinding, and accidents. Dental care can help restore the tooth substantially, and it will also help prevent infection. Exposed broken or chipped teeth are the most dangerous place in the mouth as they can be home to many bacteria and accumulated tartar.
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Gum disease
Elderly people might also be susceptible to various gum diseases and infections; one of the most common examples is periodontitis. In this disease, the gums might start to bleed, or recess, and the mobility of the tooth may occur. All these problems lead to tooth loss if it is all left untreated. All the following issues of gum problems and tooth decay can be treated by simply maintaining oral hygiene in a daily routine.
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Dry mouth and oral infections
Dry mouth is often caused by the side effects of the medications, which potentially leads to other dental problems such as tooth decay and other gum diseases. One of the most straightforward solutions can be for seniors to stay hydrated so that it can contribute to the production of saliva in the mouth to fight all harmful diseases and oral infections. If the production of saliva is not proper, then it is highly recommended for the elderly to stay hydrated to fight all the harmful dental infections.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What should I do if an elderly person breaks their tooth? How should I take the necessary action on time?
The first thing you must do is rinse your mouth with cold water and clean that area softly. You must constantly apply cold water compression to it to avoid any kind of swelling. In case any type of bleeding is seen, you may use a compression of gauze or a clean cloth so that the bleeding can be stopped. Lastly, immediately take them to the dentist without any further delay.
What are the pain relief options available for the elderly if the tooth breaks?
If the tooth breaks suddenly, then there is a lot of pain. Then there are many over-the-counter medicines available for pain relief. If you do not want any medications, you can apply cold water compression to reduce the pain and swelling.
