LATER LIFE (OVER 60's)

Dental Care for Seniors and the Elderly

Good oral health is essential at all ages. Being able to enjoy the rewards of healthy dentition by eating well, talking comfortably and smiling confidently, adds pleasure to life. Regular, high quality dental care is important to sustain health in future years. Consistent dental care will also protect the investments made during earlier years for the care of one's teeth and gums.

At Melbourne Dentistry we can tailor a preventive program, specific to your circumstances, so your future treatment needs and costs may be minimized.

Oral Health Changes With Ageing

Throughout the course of life, changes occur in the mouth. Age related changes to the appearance, texture and function of oral tissues may alter both how the smile looks and how the mouth feels.

In later years, the mouth may feel drier as salivary flow reduces. Cheek and lip tissues may feel thinner or more sensitive. Gums may slightly recede, exposing tooth roots to the challenges of the mouth - thereby increasing seniors' risks of dental decay, tooth wear and tooth loss.

With maturity, teeth will naturally become a darker colour. But for some people, their teeth may also become unevenly worn or more crowded. Removal of teeth in years gone by may have resulted in the tipping or over- eruption of adjacent or opposing teeth leading to both aesthetic and functional issues. 

Oral health can become compromised by the cumulative effects of a lifetime of oral disorders such as dental decay, gum disease and activities such as teeth grinding, smoking, trauma from sports or accidents, and ageing dental work. As a consequence, the bite - how your teeth relate - may now be different and chewing function may feel less effective.

If the appearance, feel or function of your smile has changed, it may now be something to consider improving.

Oral Health and Overall Health

As time marches on, one's general health and well being may change or deteriorate too. There is a relationship between oral health and overall health termed the mouth-body connection. Certain medical conditions and medications can affect the teeth and gums. Bacteria from oral diseases may, in turn, also affect general health or complicate the stability of certain medical conditions.

Dental Care for Seniors at Melbourne Dentistry

Modern dental treatments at our practice can help you stay dentally fit and healthy. At Melbourne Dentistry, we recognise and value the importance of keeping your mouth comfortable and minimizing dental treatment needs during the senior years. 

Consistent and comprehensive preventive dental care will help you enjoy your smile and continue healthy oral function throughout your whole life.