ORAL HEALTH CARE PLAN FOR SENIOR AUSTRALIANS
Good oral health is a vital part of overall health and wellbeing. As we age the need for dental care increases with deteriorating health, mobility issues and cognitive ability. Due to these conditions our seniors are unable to maintain good oral hygiene and end up having oral health problems. Our team at Heritage Dental Group will help you plan your dental visits and oral health care plans to keep your teeth and gums healthy. We are always here to guide Senior Australians and work through proper oral hygiene habits to save teeth and gums.
Our elderly can experience:
- Tooth decay or cavities
- Gum or periodontal disease
- Dry mouth (side effect of certain medications)
These problems can impact the overall health with effects on nutrition, sleep, behaviour, speech, and general health.
Poor oral health can cause:
- Pain, discomfort, abscess, or infections
- Put you at higher risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke etc
- Complicate the management of diabetes, chronic heart failure or respiratory diseases
- Lead to malnutrition due to pain and infection
- Lead to tooth loss or tooth decay
Above conditions can be prevented through:
- Maintaining good oral hygiene – brushing twice a day and cleaning in-between teeth.
- Visiting your dentist regularly 6-12 monthly
- Seeing the dentist when you start experiencing any problem rather than leaving it until it hurts
- Routine health and oral care assessment plans if living in residential aged care facility
Eating habits for good oral health:
- Consuming nutritious diet
- Limiting sweet, sticky sugary foods and avoiding sugary teas, coffees, juices, cordials, and fizzy drinks
- Eating nutritious snacks like fruit, sugar free yogurt, cheese, and vegetable sticks
- Drinking plenty of tap water after meals and while taking medication
Are you wearing Dentures? How to look after your dentures?
If using dentures, dentures should be cleaned after every meal with a soft brush and mild liquid soap not toothpaste.
Dentures should be stored overnight in cold water.
Regular dental visits are important to check the function and fitting of dentures and for the health of remaining teeth and gums.
Are you living in a residential aged care facility?
Your GP and dentist will work together to formulate a plan for your regular dental check-ups depending on your oral health care needs.
Your aged care facility should be able to organise dental visits to your private or family dentist. Some facilities accommodate visiting mobile dentist to the aged care facility as well.
How to access Dental Care?
If you are the holder of pensioner, seniors’ card, or concession card, you may be eligible for free of charge public dental services but please keep in mind there will be waiting lists.
If you have private health insurance, you can visit your dentist for preventative dental care.
Get in touch with our team on 38783384 at Heritage Dental Group in Indooroopilly for more information on how to look after your oral health?
We promise, ” A gentle caring dental experience.”