It’s no secret that as we age we face more health complications. This is true for our oral health as well. Advanced age puts seniors at risk for developing various dental problems such as darkened teeth, dry mouth, lost sense of taste, gum disease, tooth loss, root decay, uneven bone structure, stomatitis brought on by dentures, and thrush.
We’re aware that many seniors, particularly those in senior living communities, have limited access to dental care. With mobile dentistry services like those from Drop-In Dental, oral care is more convenient and readily available to seniors in need.
Oral Health Challenges for SeniorsAt-home dental care is much more difficult for seniors who have physical or cognitive limitations. For example, dementia patients may completely forget about their oral hygiene or even how to brush their teeth. Physical limitations like painful arthritis in the hands also restrict a person’s ability to properly care for their teeth due to limited mobility.
Fortunately, there are several helpful tools and solutions that have been made specifically for seniors to alleviate their challenges.
Studies have shown that seniors are more likely to maintain their dental health and keep their teeth if they receive regular treatment and care. The best way to avoid dental problems and reduce the stress of dental care is through prevention. Preventive dentistry focuses on developing healthy oral habits at home combined with efforts from professional dental practices.
Mobile dentistry services are better equipped and more capable of providing onsite dental care to seniors in assisted living communities. We are able to assist with routine cleanings, x-rays, check-ups, broken dentures, fillings, and more.
Practicing proper oral hygiene at home is crucial to have a healthy smile, so while routine visits with a mobile dentist are necessary, so is daily oral maintenance. Seniors should practice the following to increase their chances of maintaining a healthy mouth:
One of the main hindrances faced by seniors in need of dental care is transportation. We understand how difficult it can be to find reliable, safe transportation for seniors to see their dentist, which is why Drop-In Dental was created. Mobile dentistry brings your dentist and their tools right to your location, not the other way around.
Our dental RV is equipped with a wheelchair lift and is made accessible to anyone in need of dental care—including seniors. Our providers can see seniors in a comfortable, safe environment right outside their residence. Contact us today to learn more about mobile dentistry services for your senior living community.
With November being national TMJ Awareness Month, Drop-In Dental is urging patients suffering from painful TMJ symptoms to find relief with mobile dentistry services. TMJ Awareness Month is a national movement designated to give the public a greater understanding of what TMJ is and how those experiencing TMJ disorder can manage their symptoms.
We understand that dental care isn’t accessible to everyone, but everyone needs dental care, especially those with TMJ disorder. Mobile dentistry allows us to provide onsite dental care from your home, workplace, or school for convenient service. Learn more about how you can acknowledge TMJ Awareness Month with a visit from an onsite mobile dentist.
TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint. It refers to the joint located on either side of the jaw that allows up and down movement. The temporomandibular joint connects your jawbone to your skull and acts like a hinge capable of sliding open and closed. This joint allows you to bite and chew your food as well as speak.
It’s common to experience discomfort in the jaw when the temporomandibular joint becomes misaligned. The misalignment causes an imbalance that puts additional stress on the jaw. This is known as TMJ disorder, but many people simply refer to it as TMJ. Predominantly, patients suffering from TMJ disorder notice pain and compromised movement of the jaw as a result.
When assessing TMJ disorder in patients, the most common symptoms include inflammation around the jaw and chronic orofacial pain. Pain caused by TMJ may be felt in various parts of the body including your jaw, mouth, neck, shoulders, and head. With TMJ disorder being the second most common cause of orofacial pain, it’s important to manage your symptoms appropriately in order to regain optimal function of the jaw.
TMJ disorders can be caused by teeth grinding or clenching, or misalignment of the teeth or jaw and may also be caused by trauma or muscle tension. Treatment for TMJ varies from patient to patient depending on the cause of the disorder and its symptoms. In some instances, a plastic mouthpiece can be fitted to your mouth to stop clenching or grinding. Other dental treatments for TMJ include replacing missing teeth, moving teeth, filling in gaps between teeth, or adjusting the bite.
Drop-In Dental will examine your mouth and jaw to determine the best method of treatment for you. We may also recommend lifestyle changes and home therapy methods to help relieve your symptoms further. This may include heat and cold therapies, stretching and massaging of the jaw muscle, and limited use of the jaw (no gum chewing, eating soft foods, etc.).
TMJ disorder is a serious issue that can cause significant discomfort and disruption to your daily life. This TMJ Awareness Month, start managing your TMJ symptoms with onsite mobile dentistry from Drop-In Dental. We’ll provide you with an effective TMJ treatment plan that will help you achieve optimal oral health. Connect with us today to schedule an appointment to manage your TMJ!
To learn more about Drop-In Dental’s practice, visit us online at dropindental.com or call us at (775)-453-0142. And remember, our goal is to make employee dental cleanings and checkups less of a scheduling conflict and more of a personal priority!
