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Does Your Elderly Loved One Wear Dentures and Complain of Pain? Find Out the New Techniques Dentist Can Do to Help Fix the Problem.

Elder Care near Elk Grove, CA – Dentures Should Fit Just Right

The American Academy of Periodontology has suggested almost 1 in 4 elderly people over the age of 65 have lost their teeth and are wearing dentures. In the past dentures and regular dentist appointments were not commonplace. Until the invention of dental implants, floss and fluoride, dental disease rates were high. Although dentists use implants and false teeth to give people back their smiles once they have lost some or all of their teeth, there is a stronger focus on preventative measures.Elder Care Elk Grove CA

“Younger generations are maintaining better oral hygiene and keeping their teeth longer; therefore the frequency of complete dentures has lessened over the years,” says Dr. James Rodriguez, DDS, a Staten Island, New York dentist who has been practicing general dentistry for more than 22 years. “However, improper dental care still leads to extensive tooth decay and gum disease, and dentures may be used to replace teeth that have been lost.” http://www.agingcare.com/Articles/denture-care-for-false-teeth-148020.htm

Who Needs To Have Dentures?

When people don’t attend appointments at their local dentist practice, it is likely gum disease and tooth decay will occur. As many seniors do not have dental insurance and Medicare does not cover dentures and other dental treatment, the problem is made even more common.

In addition, there are prescription medications and medical problems that can speed up the tooth loss because they cause oral health problems such as dry mouth which increases the likelihood of gums and teeth contracting infections and developing cavities.

Most Common Problems with Dentures

One of the most common problems denture wearers suffer from is poorly fitting dentures that cause pain. Oral pain is directly caused by and connected to how dentures fit. If dentures start rubbing against the wearer’s gums, it can cause swelling and soreness in the gums and mouth in general. However, if they rest gently and comfortably against the gum there shouldn’t be any pain.

Dental Fixes for Badly Fitting Dentures

Regardless of what causes dentures to not fit properly anymore, there are 3 main techniques dentists usually use to fix the problem and these are:

  • Mini Implants – This is a very effective procedure which is becoming more popular. The mini implants are inserted into bone beneath the gums to help stabilize dentures.
  • Recasting – Dentures can often be remade to fit better
  • Reclining – A liquid acrylic can be used to mold the denture more accurately to fit the shape of the gums.

You can get help to take your elderly loved one to all their dentist and doctor appointments. A caregiver from elderly home care can also help with light housekeeping, bathing and dressing or other daily tasks your senior parent requires help with.

If you or an aging loved one needs elder care near Elk Grove, IL  area, remember Senior Home Care Services for all services needed. Call us at (916) 514-7006 for more information.

Jay Bloodsworth
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