Dental Care for Seniors: Dentures, Bridges and More

Dental Care for Seniors

Dentistry on 88 • February 24, 2024

Did you know that oral health is an integral aspect of your overall health?

Unfortunately, when you do not take good care of your teeth, you may end up edentate. Edentulism, or tooth loss, is a common issue affecting older adults that can be treated with dentures for seniors.

On the plus side, tooth loss and the dental issues that lead to it are often preventable. Your local dentist offers the services and advice you need to prevent and treat such dental problems.

Are you ready to learn more about preserving your smile as you age? Then read on because this guide is for you.

Common Dental Problems in Senior Adulthood

The most common dental issues in older adults include gum disease, cavities, tooth loss, and tooth wear. Oral dryness is also a major concern, but this issue is easily treatable with a few lifestyle tweaks.

Learn more about these common dental problems below.

Gum Disease

Gum disease is also known as periodontal disease. It is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the gums. With treatment, the early stages of gum disease can be reversed.

However, when gum disease progresses to later stages, it no longer responds well to treatment. Untreated periodontal disease may ultimately lead to gum tissue loss, jaw bone loss, and, eventually, tooth loss.

The World Health Organization estimates that up to 60% of seniors over the age of 65 have gum disease. Luckily, going to the dentist regularly and practicing good oral hygiene can prevent periodontal disease from progressing.

Dental Cavities

Dental cavities are also known as dental caries. Cavities occur when bacteria progressively erode enamel, leading to tooth decay. Over time, untreated cavities can lead to pain, infection, and even tooth loss.

A dentist can easily treat cavities. However, when they are left untreated, dental caries can progress or even spread to surrounding teeth.

Senior adults are at a 60% higher risk of developing cavities. Age decreases saliva in the mouth, which is a risk factor for cavities. The good news is that products containing fluoride can help prevent dental caries.

Tooth Loss

Tooth loss, or edentulism, may occur due to trauma but, in older adults, it more commonly happens due to untreated dental caries or periodontal disease.

The most unfortunate consequences of tooth loss are malnutrition and mental health complications. The risk of not getting enough nutrients increases by 21%, and the risk of depression rises by 28%.

Experts estimate that as many as 15% of Canadian seniors over the age of 65 are edentate. And nearly 26% of these older adults report avoiding food due to their lack of natural teeth.

Tooth Wear

Food, chemicals, and the chewing process put our teeth under a lot of stress throughout our lifetime. That is why tooth wear is so common among older adults and increases further with age.

Tooth-to-tooth contact, abrasion, and chemical wear and tear can result in sharp tooth edges and hypersensitivity to hot and cold or pressure. Tooth wear can also cause changes to the facial structure or appearance of the teeth.

17% of adults aged 70 present with significant tooth wear. While there is nothing you can do to stop this dental issue entirely, your dentist can recommend prevention strategies to reduce wear on your teeth.

Dental Care Services for Seniors

Gum disease, cavities, tooth loss, and tooth wear may be common, but you can help limit the impact of these issues when you take good care of your teeth.

Preventing and treating senior adult dental issues begins with the following dental care services for seniors.

Dental Cleanings for Seniors

Most dentists recommend that all people, regardless of their age, see a dentist at least once or twice per year for a cleaning. Dental cleanings remove plaque buildup to prevent cavities and treat the early stages of gum disease.

Older adults should still attend dental cleanings even if they have excellent oral health. Your dentist can detect issues early on. That way, you can save money and improve your chances of retaining your teeth!

Dental Filling and Bonding for Seniors

If you have cavities or tooth wear, dental filling and bonding services are a great option.

Bonding is a service that can apply tooth-colored materials to change the shape or size of your tooth. Seniors with significant tooth wear may benefit from this procedure.

Fillings are the most common approach to treating cavities. Your dentist scrapes out the decayed portion of the tooth and replaces it with a tooth-colored material.

In more severe cases, a deep cavity may not be treatable with a filling alone. Your dentist may then recommend root canal treatment to potentially preserve your natural tooth.

Bridges and Dentures for Seniors

With tooth loss being so common, bridges and dentures are among the most common dental services administered to Canadian senior adults. Dental bridges and dentures can replace one or more missing teeth.

You may have heard of alternatives, such as implants and crowns. However, this option is recommended for people missing one, or a few teeth or an entire arch of teeth.

Today's dentures and bridges are different than those of years past. You can get customized devices that can be made permanent for a comfortable, beautiful smile that resembles your natural teeth.

Schedule an Appointment With Family Dentist Bradford

The most common senior dental issues include cavities, gum disease, and tooth wear. Without treatment, these conditions may lead to tooth loss. A dentist near you can help you prevent and treat the most common oral health problems with dentures for seniors, bi-annual cleanings, and more!

Are you looking for a dentist serving seniors in the Bradford, Ontario area? Dentistry on 88 offers specials on comprehensive exams and x-rays for all new patients and existing patients (with and without dental insurance) who schedule an appointment at our clinic.

Book your appointment at Dentistry on 88 today to take advantage of our senior dental care services!

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How Thumb-Sucking Affects Children's Dental Health

By Dentistry on 88 • March 14, 2025

Thumb-sucking is a natural and common behavior in infants, with about three-quarters of babies sucking their thumbs during their first year of life. This comforting habit helps them self-soothe and feel secure. However, when thumb-sucking continues beyond infancy, it can lead to dental issues that affect your child's long-term oral health. At Dentistry on 88, we understand the concerns parents may have about their child's dental development. In this blog post, we'll explore how thumb-sucking can impact your child's teeth, when it becomes problematic, and provide helpful tips on how to encourage your little one to stop. Let's get started with these dental health tips. What Is Thumb-Sucking? Thumb-sucking is a reflexive action that many babies and young children use to comfort themselves . It's a natural and instinctive behavior that begins in the womb and often continues after birth. Most infants will suck their thumbs to calm down, fall asleep, or simply as a source of comfort when they are feeling stressed or insecure. This habit is perfectly normal during the first few months of life and is a way for children to self-soothe. However, as children grow, thumb-sucking can become a repetitive habit that lasts longer than necessary. If it continues past the age of three, when permanent teeth begin to come in, it can lead to dental problems. Prolonged thumb-sucking can interfere with the proper alignment of the teeth and affect the development of the jaw. While it's normal for infants, parents should monitor their child's thumb-sucking habits as they grow to avoid future dental complications. Dental Problems From Thumb-Sucking The impact of thumb-sucking on teeth can be significant if the habit continues beyond the age of three. As noted above, while it's common for infants and toddlers to engage in this behavior, prolonged thumb-sucking can cause various dental issues as permanent teeth begin to emerge. One of the most common problems is tooth misalignment. Thumb-sucking can push the front teeth outward, leading to an overbite or open bite . It can also affect the shape and growth of the roof of the mouth, which can impact how the teeth come together. In addition to misalignment, thumb-sucking may put pressure on the jaw, which can affect its development. Over time, this can result in bite problems that may require orthodontic treatment. The longer the habit persists, the greater the likelihood of these dental issues, which is why it's important to address thumb-sucking early to avoid complications later on. When Should Thumb-Sucking Stop? Thumb-sucking should ideally stop by the time a child reaches the age of three. By this age, most children have started to develop their permanent teeth , which makes it a crucial time to address the habit. If thumb-sucking continues past this stage, it can begin to interfere with the growth and alignment of the teeth and jaw. While some children may naturally stop on their own, others may need encouragement or strategies to help break the habit. If thumb-sucking continues into the early school years, it can lead to more noticeable dental problems that may require orthodontic treatment later. Parents should watch for signs that the habit is becoming more than just a temporary comfort and consider intervening if necessary. If you're concerned about your child's thumb-sucking, it's a good idea to discuss it with your dentist . Our team can provide guidance on how to help your child stop before it affects their oral health. Tips for Breaking the Habit Breaking the habit of thumb-sucking can take time and patience, but with the right approach, it's possible. One effective method is using positive reinforcement. Encouraging your child with praise and rewards for not sucking their thumb can help motivate them to stop. Gentle reminders are also important, so if you notice your child sucking their thumb, calmly remind them to stop. You should avoid using punishment, as it may cause stress or anxiety, which could make the habit harder to break. Instead, try to redirect their attention to something else. Offering alternatives is another strategy. Thumb-sucking is often a way for children to self-soothe, so providing a soft blanket, stuffed animal, or another comforting item can help reduce the need for thumb-sucking. Establishing a consistent bedtime routine can also help. Try replacing thumb-sucking with activities like reading a book or listening to soothing music before bed. If the habit continues, it may be time to consult your dentist. As noted above, at Dentistry on 88, we can offer guidance and support to help break the habit before it affects your child's dental health. With patience and consistency, you can help your child stop thumb-sucking and maintain a healthy smile . How We Can Help at Dentistry on 88 Here at Dentistry on 88 , we understand how challenging it can be for both parents and children when it comes to breaking the thumb-sucking habit. Our team is here to support you every step of the way. If you're concerned about your child's dental health, we offer comprehensive evaluations to assess any potential effects thumb-sucking may have on their teeth and jaw development. Dr. Virani and our experienced team can provide personalized advice and strategies tailored to your child's needs. We'll help you understand the impact of prolonged thumb-sucking and offer recommendations to prevent dental issues down the road. If necessary, we can also discuss gentle interventions or referrals to specialists who can further assist with breaking the habit. Our goal is to ensure your child's smile stays healthy and beautiful for years to come. Maintain Oral Hygiene for Kids To sum up, it's important to take steps to prevent thumb-sucking before it affects your child's dental health. Early intervention can help avoid long-term issues with teeth and jaw development. Our team at Dentistry on 88 is dedicated to supporting parents in ensuring the best possible care for their child's smile. If you're concerned about thumb-sucking or have questions about your child's oral health, schedule an appointment with us . Our team is here to provide expert advice and guidance on all aspects of children's oral care.