Signals of Dental Need
Until the elderly patient receives a comprehensive dental exam it may difficult to judge their oral health needs. The following warning signs may be symptoms of important dental needs.
Please know that these symptoms may very well be connected to nutritional and medical problems.
- Poor Oral Hygiene
- Dry Mouth
- Poorly Fitting Partial or Denture
- Avoidance of Foods
- Mouth Sores
- Missing Teeth
- Painful or Broken Teeth
- Irritated Behavior at Meal Time
- Skipping Meals or Eating Poorly
Any of the above signals of dental need may easily result in inadequate nutrition that can lead to or contribute to a host of systemic problems. The loss of energy from poor nutrition can begin a downward health spiral that becomes more difficult to recover from as patients weaken and age.
Our knowledge and experience allow us the ability to focus clearly on the elderly patient.