Bayside Dental and Mid-Island Dental Associates offers superior services and assistance to our elderly patients in order to meet their unique dental needs and ensure continued dental health. Below you will be able to learn about the services we provide as well as tips we have for taking care of your teeth and gums.
Elderly patients are sometimes homebound as a result of certain debilitating illnesses. In cases where a person cannot be treated in a dental office, Dr. Nancy Amoia and her assistant provide home visits. If a loved one or friend is in such a situation and requires dental treatment, please call our office to determine if a home visit is feasible. In some instances, dental care cannot be rendered due to the increased risk of providing certain procedures outside an office setting on patients with extensive medical problems.
Keeping good oral care habits is the sure way to keep your smile healthy and attractive well into your retirement. It is important to brush your teeth at least twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush and a good fluoride toothpaste. It is also important to floss regularly. This helps in remove the plaque between your teeth and below the gum line that your toothbrush can't reach.
Two of the main dental health problems that patients should look out for are gingivitis and advanced gum (periodontal) disease. An estimated three out of four adults over the age of 35 are affected by some form of gum disease. The earliest form of gum disease is gingivitis, which is caused by the bacteria found in plaque. This bacteria affects the gums, which can cause the gums to swell, appear irritated or red, and may result in bleeding when a person brushes his or her teeth.
If gingivitis goes untreated, it can result in a more serious gum disease. These more serious forms of gum disease can cause a person's gums to recede or, in worse cases, can affect the jawbone. Serious gum disease can lead to tooth loss, which is particularly common in patients with osteoporosis.
It is important for patients to visit our office for proper periodontal care. If regular dental care proves too difficult, a member of our skilled dental health team may be able to suggest alternatives to flossing or prescribe medication to prevent a gum disease-related infection from becoming worse.
Patients with arthritis often mention that is it difficult for them to brush or floss their teeth. If this is the case, a member of our skilled dental health team can meet with you to suggest dental care alternatives. We often suggest using certain different dental care products that are designed specifically for arthritis sufferers.
One suggestion we often make to patients with arthritis is to attach their toothbrush to a larger object (e.g., a ball) in order to make the toothbrush easier and more comfortable to handle. We also suggest that patients with arthritis use an electric toothbrush, which often helps because the electric toothbrush does much of the work for the patient.
Oral cancer occurs most often in people who are 40 years old or older. It is usually difficult to detect in its early stages, which is when oral cancer can be treated most effectively. That said, it is important to contact our offices if you notice any unusual white or red patches on your tongue or any oral sores that do not heal within two weeks. It is important for patients who wear dentures to schedule regular dental exams so that we can screen for any warning signs of cancer.
Dry mouth could be something to worry about, especially if it causes problems with eating, tasting, swallowing, or speaking. Also referred to as xerostomia, dry mouth can be caused by a variety of factors affecting the salivary glands, such as medications, diseases, or even cancer treatments. Dry mouth can lead to severe complications in certain cases, such as during radiation therapy.
As a good general way to combat dry mouth, we suggest that patients drink lots of water and avoid alcohol, tobacco, sweet, and beverage or food with caffeine. If you are experiencing severe dry mouth, our team of dental health experts may suggest medications to help you.
According to a number of dental health studies, maintaining good oral health can help people avoid serious illnesses or conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. Apart from brushing and flossing regularly, it is important for patients to schedule regular dental check-ups at least twice a year to ensure optimal dental health.
To schedule a dental appointment at Bayside Dental Associates or Mid-Island Dental Associates, contact our offices in the Queens and Long Island area today.
Bayside Dental
23-91 Bell Boulevard
Bayside, NY 11360
Ph: 718.569.6201
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Mid-Island Dental
400 South Oyster Bay Road, Suite 201
Hicksville, NY 11801
Ph: 516.734.6358
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Contact our dental experts serving the Queens and Long Island area to learn more about oral hygiene and cosmetic care for the elderly.