Why Majority of Seniors Are Not Going To The Dentist
Seniors in a nursing home receive standard dental care, but elderly people who live at home often do not go to the dentist enough. About 80 percent of these elderly people living at home have worrying oral health. Many of them have difficulty walking or do not see the importance of regular check-ups of their teeth. In this article, we will discuss some reasons why seniors need to make an appointment with their dentist.
Why do the elderly go to the dentist too little?
Poor mobility to come
to the dentist When people have difficulty walking, visiting the dentist is quite a challenge. A wheelchair must be arranged, or someone must go with you. As an older person, it is difficult to have to arrange this every time. After all, the elderly do not want to burden anyone with this. This ensures that some elderly people prefer to skip dental visits.
Too little money for the dentist
Elderly people with an AOW pension sometimes find it difficult to make ends meet. Dental insurance is quickly too expensive. Without insurance, it is even more difficult for the elderly to pay for their dental visit. In September 2015, the Dutch government allocated nearly one billion euros to increase the purchasing power of the elderly. This should also have positive effects on dental visits in this category
Ignorance about the use and control of dentures
Some seniors no longer have their teeth and wear dentures. It is a myth that people with dentures no longer have to go to the dentist. As people age, the jawbone shrinks, and prostheses can damage the oral mucosa. It is important to continue to go to the dentist for a regular check-ups of the dentures and jaws.
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Effect of medication use detrimental to teeth
Many elderly people struggle with health problems and therefore use medication. This use of medication in some cases has a detrimental effect on the saliva on the gums. Saliva normally protects the mouth from the acids in the food. Medication can reduce the effectiveness of this and seniors get cavities faster.
The social environment must pay attention
It is important to keep the mouth healthy. The health of the mouth also affects the rest of the body. The Association of Dutch Dentists (ANT) therefore hopes that children of seniors will pay attention to whether their parents go to the dentist. Through this social check-up, the dental visit is increased and the health of the mouth is increased.
How can the dental visit of the elderly be increased?
It is important for both young and old to go to the dentist regularly, preferably every six months. Is it time for you or your parents to visit the dentist? Then make an appointment for your parents at the Darwin clinic dental practice, in Zoetermeer. This way you ensure that your parents’ teeth remain healthy!