What Should Seniors Know about Natural Teeth vs. Implants?

June is Oral Health Month, and it might be a time when seniors are looking at different options around oral health and what solutions might be available for them down the line. Dental implants are one such option, but seniors need to make sure that they’re aware of all of the different considerations related to this solution. If seniors are planning to preserve their natural teeth, home care providers can help.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are metal tooth roots that are then placed surgically into the jawbone. Crowns or dentures then fit into these artificial roots. Dental implants are appealing for a variety of reasons. They offer a stable and secure foundation for artificial teeth, which can feel a lot like natural teeth for the people who have them. Dental implants are designed to last for a long time and they can stand up to the demands of chewing. Another big selling point is that dental implants often look more natural than dentures do, blending in with natural teeth. Implants stimulate bone growth, preventing bone loss that can change facial structure and further change oral health down the road. People who opt for dental implants definitely must go through a surgical procedure, however, which is something that can be unnerving for a lot of seniors.

Natural Teeth

Natural teeth are the ideal option for seniors when they can be preserved. Natural teeth are rooted into the jawbone, and along with the bones of the jaw they offer a strong foundation for aging adults to bite and chew their food. Not everyone has healthy teeth, however. There are hereditary causes for weaker teeth and gums, and some health conditions can also impact gum and tooth health. Medication side effects can change how well salivary glands work, which can impact oral health, too. Again, preserving natural teeth is the main goal for dentists, but it may not always be possible.

How Home Care Providers Can Assist Seniors

Home care providers play a vital role in assisting seniors in maintaining optimal dental hygiene and addressing their dental needs. First, they can help seniors to either establish or stick with daily oral care routines, which can include brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash. Elder care providers can do all of this through reminders, physical assistance, or simply by offering education about why it’s helpful for seniors to do these things. Caregivers also make it easier for aging adults to get to dental check-ups, which can be immensely helpful with oral health overall.

The Bottom Line

Seniors face a lot of different choices when it comes to oral care. Some of those decisions relate back to lifestyle choices around things like nutrition, which might not seem to be related to oral health at all. But avoiding sugary drinks and foods can help aging adults to take better care of their natural teeth if that is what they want to do. Home care providers can help to make these decisions less of a battle.

Dental implants are one of many possible solutions if aging adults aren’t able to keep their natural teeth. But if it’s possible at all to maintain natural teeth, especially with help from home care providers, that’s always the best way to go.