Three Reasons to Take Your Elderly Parent to the Dentist—Even Though They Have Dentures

When your parents get older and are not able to take care of themselves anymore, you need to take the time to do what you can to ensure that they are as happy and healthy as they can be. One area that often gets neglected is the oral health of the elderly. Many people assume that once their parents have dentures, they no longer need to go to the dentist, but that is not the case at all. The guide below walks you through a few reasons why your elderly parent still needs to go to the dentist after they start wearing dentures.

Ensure the Dentures Fit Properly

When you take your elderly parent to the dentist, he or she will check to make sure that there are no physical signs on your parent's gums that the dentures are not fitting them properly. An improper fit can be very painful because it can cause the dentures to move around inside of the mouth or allow food to get between the dentures and their gums. When this happens, sores and cuts can develop, which can lead to an infection if not treated properly.

Ensure No Oral Cancer Has Developed

During the appointment, the dentist will also check to make sure that your mother or father does not have any noticeable signs of cancer development. Oral cancer can be life threatening if it is not detected early. X-rays may need to be taken, if the dentist suspects that any cancer has developed within your parent's mouth.

Ensure No Sexually Transmitted Diseases Are Present

Many people do not realize that their elderly parent may be having sex in the retirement community where they are living. Thanks to the many sexual aids that are on the market, the elderly are able to have a full sex life, which is leading to the spread of many sexually transmitted diseases. If your parent has a transmitted disease, the dentist can detect early signs and may be able to refer him or her to a doctor who can write a prescription to treat it. Tests will need to be done to ensure that your parent does in fact have the disease before they can be treated for it though.

Going to the dentist regularly is important for everyone. Taking your elderly parent to the dentist a few times a year will ensure that they can lead as happy and healthy of a life as possible. To learn more, contact clinics like Bristol Dental Group.


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