We are committed to continuously improving access to our goods and services by individuals with disabilities. This website is currently being updated to enhance the usability and experience for persons with disabilities. If you are unable to use any aspect of this website because of a disability, please call 9784704555 and we will provide you with prompt personalized assistance.

Blog

The Abuse of Teeth in Nursing Homes

Posted by: Dr. Sirakian     Categories: Uncategorized

By the time you have reached your seventies, your teeth are tired. Even with proper care and regular trips to the dentist, your teeth and gums have gone through a lifetime of wear and tear.

Teeth can withstand this wear and tear if they have received proper care and treatment throughout their life, but for the generation currently in the age range of 65 to 85, their teeth likely didn’t receive the best attention. These people grew up in a time where teeth were less important and where affording dentistry was a difficulty that often could not be managed. Due to the lack of access to good dental care, many older adults suffer from numerous oral health problems.

These problems can cause them pain and irritation in their day-to-day life. Many seniors are unable to chew foods that they used to eat with ease, and many suffer other restrictions because of their dentures.

The sad truth, however, is that once these elderly adults enter into nursing homes, their teeth become even more neglected. A New York Times article relayed the horrors of dentistry in nursing homes. Because nursing home caretakers have many patients to look after, and because more pressing problems arise regarding overall health, oral health is often left to the wayside.

Often times, teeth are left unbrushed and dental issues are ignored until the last minute. Some residents have had such severe oral issues that it has caused eating problems. The best way to combat this issue is to advocate for your loved ones. If they can leave for the day, take them to lunch and to a dentist appointment afterwards. Or try to cultivate a relationship with one of their regular caretakers who can account for their brushing needs.

If your parents or grandparents are in a nursing home, it is important to try and schedule regular dental appointments for them and keep track of what is happening with both their oral health and overall health.

Source

Mar
1

Beaver Enamel: What Can We Learn?

When you think of the paradigm of good oral health, you may not think immediately of beavers. However, it’s true—these constructive little critters have good oral health, despite the fact that you don’t see beavers brushing and flossing! So what keeps their teeth in such good condition? They’ve got help right from the get-go with […]

Feb
8

Why Add Mouthwash to Your Oral Health Routine?

Maybe you’ve seen the multi-colored bottles of minty-fresh mouthwash in the supermarket and have been wondering what the benefits are of adding mouthwash to your routine. Mouthwash won’t be the answer to all of your oral health needs, so read on to figure out what mouthwash can and can’t do for you. When adding mouthwash […]

Feb
1

ADA Recommends Earlier Fluoride Distribution for Children

When you think about dental hygiene for your kids, are brushing and flossing the only things that come to mind? These two items are highly important to maintain good oral health, but recently, the American Dental Association “recommends earlier fluoride distribution for children,” meaning parents will have to put a tad more effort in caring […]

Jan
25

Three Foods that Keep Your Teeth Healthy

We all know that brushing daily is a must if we want clean teeth and a healthy mouth. But, have you ever wondered what are some of the natural ways you can maintain your oral health? To satisfy your curiosity, here is a list of natural foods that help keep your teeth strong and healthy. […]

Jan
18

Mouth Guards: The Best Way to Save Hundreds on Dental Procedures

It is estimated that 200,000 football mouth injuries are prevented each year through the use of protection. Proper protection gear not only protect you and your loved ones from injury, but also from the cost of the procedures involved in healing in the injury. When it comes to protecting your mouth during physical activity, there […]

69 Park Street, Andover, MA 01810
| |
Fax: 978.470.8844
|
X
X
[contact-form-7 id="244" title="Request Appointment"]
X

The information presented here is not intended or implied to be medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It should be used for informational purposes only.

[contact-form-7 id="1341" title="A04 Appointment"]
Book an Appointment
To book an appointment please feel free to call us at 978.737.7060 or complete the form below.

Step 1 of 2

-

Terms and Conditions

Here at Sirakian Aesthetic & Implant Dentistry, we work diligently to protect our patient's rights and privacy. Requesting an appointment via our Internet portal is considered part of what HIPAA has identified as electronically protected information (ePHI). Unfortunately, despite the best efforts we make or take, there are people or entities that may attempt to intercept the data you transmit to us. By checking the box, and electronically making an appointment, you understand that you are making an appointment over the internet and that Sirakian Aesthetic & Implant Dentistry will keep this information confidential but cannot guarantee that others, outside of our practice, may not illegally intercept this communication. As a result of continuing, you are sending this transmission and accepting the inherent risk(s) associated with making this request for an appointment. As an alternative, you are always welcome to contact our office via telephone to schedule your appointment.