By Trace Lara
The aging population is growing in the state of California. Californian seniors face a myriad of oral health challenges. As people age, they may require special assistance and have new requirements. Various factors can impact an elderly person’s quality of life, including medication-induced dry mouth, gum disease, and a higher likelihood of tooth decay.
It is crucial for seniors to take care of their dental health. If they have a caretaker, they must visit a specialized Fountain Valley dental practice to fight the oral health challenges unique to senior citizens. Read this article to learn about some oral health challenges affecting Californian seniors. It will also convey the importance of receiving professional care, no matter your age.
Unique oral health challenges that Californian seniors face
The senior population of California faces various unique oral health challenges. They are as follows:
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Higher rates of untreated tooth decay.
More than one-third of the senior community of California is suffering from the issue of untreated tooth decay. The numbers are even more alarming for seniors living in nursing homes. One in three older adults has lost all of their teeth due to neglect in dental issues.
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Barriers to accessing care.
For a young person with sufficient money, accessing quality and professional dental care does not seem like a big deal. However, it is a huge deal for old people who cannot carry out their own tasks and have low incomes. California has a state program called Medi-Cal that provides financial support to low-income families. However, many dentists in California do not accept it.
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Cultural and linguistic disparities.
California is a mixture of various different backgrounds. Therefore, it sometimes becomes difficult to provide equal attention and care to every community. Cultural and language differences cause health disparities.
For example, many seniors feel that they cannot access the right dental health care due to a lack of enough providers who understand their unique needs. On the other hand, some people may feel that they do not get the right treatment due to not knowing English.
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Association with chronic health conditions.
A significant percentage of the senior population is affected by chronic health conditions, such as heart disease and diabetes. These conditions can complicate dental health. About 85% of senior adults have a chronic health condition. Having these conditions can increase your chances of oral health issues and vice versa.
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Impact of medication side effects.
The impact of side effects of the medications that senior citizens have to take can further worsen their oral health condition. One of the most common and impactful ones is dry mouth. A dry mouth reduces the amount of saliva produced in the mouth, which can increase the risk of cavities and gum disease.
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The connection between oral and mental health.
The connection between oral and mental health is perhaps more seen in senior citizens. Many seniors suffer from emotional and mental problems due to factors like life transitions, being away from loved ones, not being able to participate in activities they once enjoyed, etc. Struggling mentally can lead one to neglect their dental health needs.
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Nutritional problems.
Finally, many seniors face problems in eating and chewing. Not being able to chew properly, experiencing dry mouth conditions, and having issues with dentures can make it challenging to eat a balanced diet every day. This does not only have dental health implications but eventually impacts your overall health as your body does not receive the right nutrients.
Break down the barriers today!
Seniors require a little extra attention than the younger population. This is because they are more dependent on others to do their tasks. Understanding the challenges seniors in California face can help you pick the right dental clinic.
Early detection and prevention are the best dental care hacks. Schedule a dental appointment today!
