Oral health is the key to one’s overall health. However, it appears that not may have realized it, and some even tend to ignore the importance of oral health. In elder people, oral health related issues could cause serious risks to their well-being. In fact, you should pay attention to the oral health of an elder person in the same way you do for their nutritional intake and other physical capabilities.

Seniors face a large number of oral health problems. Some of them include dry mouth, periodontal diseases, gum diseases, etc. Remember that a person’s teeth and gum are as important as their heart or other organs.

Studies say that oral health problems not only occur because of cavities or a gum disease, but can also be linked with other problems. Physicians even can determine liver disease, arthritis, HIV, osteoporosis, autoimmune diseases, anemia, diet deficiencies, etc., after a careful examination of the gums and the teeth. Hence, ignoring oral health can result in serious consequences.

Oral Health and Heart Diseases

A recent study found a deep correlation between heart disease and gum disease in seniors. Interestingly, many of the factors that lead to cardiovascular disease and periodontal disease are the same – stress, smoking, low exercise level, poor diet, and excessive weight gain being a few of the causes. It also reported that elders with severe periodontal disease could face double the risk of serious diseases and stroke.

Tooth infection can cause bacterial endocarditic, an infection that affects the heart valve and the inner lining of the heart. When a tooth is infected, the bacteria get into the blood stream. These bacteria will often lodge on damaged heart tissues or on the heart valves, gradually damaging the tissue and valves and leading to serious heart conditions.

Seniors, especially those who suffer from diabetics, should take all necessary steps in order to stay away from a gum problem, because it can take long time to get healed. Similarly, periodontitis can lead to chronic degenerative diseases like lupus and ulcerative colitis.

Senior care services ensure that they take care of the oral health of their inhabitants with due regard. The well-being of a senior person means the health of his/her entire body – from head to the toe; and elder care homes make sure not to miss anything that could worsen a senior’s health.