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Poor oral health interferes with the ability to chew food and can place residents at risk for malnutrition. HealthSYNC dentists help our aging population by maintaining continued and proper oral health for a better quality of life.
Indicators for dental care:
- Weight loss
- Difficulty chewing
- Bleeding gums
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Very bad breath
- Diabetes
Dental health and quality of life
Since a large portion of the population has missing teeth, the effect on health risks due to tooth loss can have a significant impact on quality of life. Reduced chewing ability accompanied with tooth loss can compromise nutritional status, and increase the chance of developing of chronic illnesses like diabetes, cancer, hypertension, and heart disease.
In addition, to running the risk of malnutrition and weight loss, studies have shown a link between the presence of periodontal disease and the development of cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
Dental care is very important for:
- Senior citizens
- Anyone who takes multiples medications
- Anyone experiencing weight loss
Dental health and quality of care
Tooth loss can reduce chewing ability leading to decreased ability to maintain weight. This, in turn, may increase the risk of particular systemic diseases since diet and certain health states, such as cardiovascular health, are linked. For example, an increase in dietary cholesterol and saturated fat, and a decrease in fiber have been shown to elevate the risk of heart disease.
Our dentists can help prevent the development of cardiovascular disease, respiratory infections, and improve overall quality of life. Ignoring oral health and failing to provide consistent professional dental care when they appear can have serious consequences for patients, especially the elderly.
Providing consistent oral health care has many benefits, including:
- Reduction in pain
- Increased comfort when chewing
- Decrease in malnutrition and weight loss
- Reduction in the incidence of developing respiratory infections, pneumonia, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease
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