Regular dental checkups and timely treatment of dental problems is necessary for patients of all ages, including the senior members of our society. It is difficult, however, for many older people with mobility problems to get to and from the dentist. Without access to dentists who can work outside of the office, this segment of society is at risk for complications resulting from long-term dental negligence. Dentists practicing geriatric dentistry specialize in the types of problems common in older populations, and many offer bedside treatment for housebound patients.
Seniors are currently the fastest-growing segment of the population, creating a larger need for specialized medical professionals experienced at treating the problems commonly faced by older people. Geriatric dentists are experts at treating seniors, who have a greater risk of suffering cavities, gum diseases, and other problems because of issues associated with old age, such as lack of saliva. Because many seniors live on a low income, they frequently cannot afford enough nutritious food, causing them to suffer dental problems from the low-quality processed food they eat instead. This makes routine checkups and maintenance of the teeth and gums even more important.
When elderly patients are unable to leave home because of ill health, many geriatric dentists are equipped to treat them onsite to ensure that their oral health doesn't go neglected. If cavities are left to worsen on their own, abscesses can develop that can be deadly if the infection spreads to the brain or blood. Ill-fitting dentures or loss of teeth or can reduce a patient's quality of life by reducing comfort and making normal eating difficult. Mobile, geriatric dental treatment is essential for patients with problems such as these as they can arrange for improved and more customized appliances to be created, and offer advice on how to accommodate the absence of teeth and still remain properly nourished.
As the elderly population continues to grow, geriatric dentistry will also continue to grow in importance for many members of our society. Medical students are now being taught geriatric dental skills by their instructors, and fellowships have been formed so that medical professionals can exchange specialized information. In addition, the field of in-home dental care is growing as more individuals realize that having limited mobility need not come at the expense of health. It is good to know that our elders will receive excellent dental care as interest in the field of geriatric dentistry continues to grow.
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