As we get older, our healthcare needs become more complicated. Dental care is especially important for keeping us healthy and maintaining a good quality of life. Unfortunately, older people are more likely to have dental problems and complications. This can be due to various factors, including:
Chronic health conditions
Conditions like osteoporosis and diabetes are common among older adults and can complicate dental treatments. For example, osteoporosis can weaken the jawbone, making dental procedures harder and increasing the risk of fractures.
Older people may also have trouble regulating body temperature and fluid levels, and they may recover more slowly from stress or illness. This makes them more likely to have complications after dental operations.
Many older patients also take multiple medications, which can interact negatively with sedatives and painkillers. These can cause extreme confusion, increasing the risk of injury and falls.
Cognitive impairments
Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia can make it hard for older patients to explain their symptoms or understand their dental treatment. This can lead to misunderstandings and mistakes in diagnosis or treatment.
Cognitive impairments can also affect an older patient’s ability to give informed consent. They might not fully understand the risks and benefits of a procedure. In these cases, caregivers or legal guardians need to be involved in decision-making.
Advocate for your loved one’s rights
Our older loved ones are more vulnerable to dental complications. When dentists and other medical providers don’t provide them with the proper standard of care, the consequences can be severe, leading to pain, injury and even life-threatening complications.