WSD Essentials (Scaling & Polishing, Fluoride Treatment, Full Mouth X-rays) at $98 nett. Learn more.
WSD Essentials (Scaling & Polishing, Fluoride Treatment, Full Mouth X-rays) at $98 nett. Learn more.
As our loved ones age, maintaining good oral health becomes increasingly important. Tooth decay is a common issue among the elderly, often leading to discomfort and more serious health complications if left untreated.
Let’s go in-depth into the stages of tooth decay in the elderly, the importance of timely treatment, and how our expert team can help ensure your loved ones enjoy their golden years with healthy, pain-free smiles.
As our loved ones age, they become more susceptible to various health issues, including tooth decay. Several factors contribute to this increased risk:
As people age, they often take medications for various health conditions. Many of these medications, such as those for high blood pressure, depression, and allergies, can reduce saliva production, leading to dry mouth. Saliva plays a crucial role in maintaining oral health by neutralising acids produced by bacteria, washing away food particles, and providing disease-fighting substances. When saliva flow is reduced, the mouth becomes a breeding ground for decay-causing bacteria, significantly increasing the risk of tooth decay.
Gum recession is another common issue among the elderly. Over time, gums can recede, exposing the roots of teeth, which are more vulnerable to decay than the enamel-covered parts. Additionally, older adults are more prone to gum disease (periodontal disease), which further exacerbates the problem. Gum disease is caused by plaque buildup and can lead to inflammation, infection, and deterioration of the gums and supporting bone structure. This not only accelerates tooth decay but can also result in tooth loss if not properly managed.
Dietary changes and challenges in maintaining oral hygiene also contribute to the increased risk of tooth decay in the elderly. Many older adults may shift to softer, carbohydrate-rich diets that are easier to chew but can increase the exposure to sugars and acids that promote decay. Moreover, physical limitations or cognitive impairments can make routine oral hygiene practices, such as brushing and flossing, more difficult. This can lead to plaque buildup and increased susceptibility to cavities and other dental issues.
Understanding these factors helps underscore the importance of regular dental check-ups for our elderly loved ones.
Untreated tooth decay can have severe consequences, especially for elderly patients:
Decayed teeth can cause significant pain, making it difficult for elderly individuals to eat, speak, and enjoy their daily activities. This pain can be persistent and debilitating, affecting their overall quality of life and leading to further health issues due to inadequate nutrition and hydration.
If tooth decay is left untreated, it can progress to form abscesses—pockets of pus caused by bacterial infections. These infections can spread beyond the mouth to other parts of the body, including the jaw, neck, and even the bloodstream, leading to serious health conditions such as sepsis.
Advanced tooth decay often results in the loss of affected teeth. Missing teeth can significantly impact an elderly person’s ability to chew and digest food properly, leading to nutritional deficiencies. Additionally, tooth loss can affect speech and self-esteem, further diminishing their quality of life.
Untreated tooth decay can also cause complications with other common elderly conditions. For example:
Prompt treatment of tooth decay is essential to prevent these complications and ensure the well-being of your elderly loved ones.
Regular dental check-ups and a proactive approach to oral health can make a significant difference in their overall health and comfort.
Treating tooth decay in elderly patients requires special considerations due to the unique challenges they face. Here are the key aspects that make dental care for elderly patients distinct:
Understanding the patient’s overall health and medication use is crucial. Many elderly patients are on multiple medications for chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and arthritis. Some of these medications can affect oral health, such as those causing dry mouth or altering gum tissue. Comprehensive knowledge of a patient’s medical history helps dentists anticipate potential complications, tailor treatment plans, and coordinate care with other healthcare providers.
Older patients may require gentler, more careful treatment due to their sensitive gums and teeth. Ageing can cause gums to recede and teeth to become more fragile, making them more susceptible to damage during dental procedures. Geriatric dentists use techniques and tools designed to minimise discomfort and avoid exacerbating any existing conditions. This includes the use of softer brushes, less abrasive materials, and ensuring a comfortable, stress-free environment during dental visits.
There is an increased emphasis on preventive care to avoid the progression of decay. For elderly patients, maintaining oral health is not just about treating existing problems but also preventing new ones from arising. Regular dental check-ups, professional cleanings, fluoride treatments, and patient education on proper oral hygiene are essential components of preventive care. Preventive measures help manage the risk factors associated with ageing, such as dry mouth and gum recession, and maintain overall oral health.
In conclusion, treating tooth decay in elderly patients is a complex, multifaceted process that requires specialised knowledge, gentle techniques, and a strong focus on preventive care. At WeSmile Dental Care, our geriatric dentists are dedicated to providing compassionate, expert care to help your elderly loved ones maintain their oral health and enjoy their golden years with comfort and confidence.
Each stage of tooth decay requires targeted treatment to prevent further progression and complications. For elderly patients, timely and appropriate intervention is crucial to maintaining their overall health and quality of life. Regular dental visits and good oral hygiene practices can help catch decay in its early stages and ensure effective treatment.
However, experienced geriatric dentists are able to effectively tackle each stage of teeth decay with different treatment methods:
Early-stage tooth decay is identified by the presence of white spots on the tooth surface, indicating a loss of minerals.
Fluoride treatments: Geriatric dentists apply fluoride varnish or gel to help remineralise the tooth surface. Fluoride strengthens the enamel and can reverse early decay.
Dental sealants: In some cases, dental sealants can be applied to the grooves and pits of teeth to protect them from decay-causing bacteria. Sealants act as a barrier and are particularly useful for molars, which are more prone to decay.
As decay progresses, the enamel begins to break down, forming small cavities.
Fillings: The most common treatment for cavities. Geriatric dentists remove the decayed portion of the tooth and fill the cavity with restorative materials such as composite resin, amalgam, or glass ionomer.
Restorative materials: Selection of materials may depend on the patient’s overall health and the specific tooth affected. For elderly patients, durable and easy-to-maintain materials are preferred.
When decay reaches the dentin layer beneath the enamel, elderly may experience sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods.
More extensive fillings: Larger cavities in the dentin layer require more extensive fillings. The dentist ensures all decay is removed and the cavity is sealed properly.
Crowns: If the tooth’s structure is significantly compromised, a crown may be necessary to restore its function and appearance. Crowns provide added protection and support for the damaged tooth. At WeSmile Dental, we have aesthetic dentistry experts that can provide seamless tooth restoration such as invisible fillings and crowns. Find out more here.
Decay that progresses to the pulp, the innermost part of the tooth, causes severe pain and infection.
Root canal therapy: The dentist removes the infected pulp tissue, cleans the inside of the tooth, and fills it with a biocompatible material. This procedure can save the tooth from extraction.
Crown placement: After a root canal, a crown is often placed over the tooth to restore its strength and function.
An abscess, a pocket of pus caused by infection, results in severe pain, swelling, and sometimes fever.
Antibiotics: To control the infection, antibiotics are prescribed. This is particularly important for elderly patients whose immune systems may be compromised.
Drainage of abscesses: The dentist may need to drain the abscess to alleviate pain and prevent the spread of infection.
Root canal or extraction: Depending on the severity of the infection and the condition of the tooth, a root canal may be performed to remove the infection, or the tooth may be extracted if it cannot be saved.
If decay is severe and the tooth cannot be saved, extraction becomes necessary. During the detailed dental examination, our geriatric dentists take on a conservative dental approach and will recommend extraction only if necessary.
Dental prosthetics: Dental prosthetics for tooth loss include options such as implant overdentures, All-on-Fours, and traditional dentures. Implant overdentures are dentures that snap onto dental implants. These prosthetics help restore oral function and aesthetics, significantly improving the quality of life for elderly patients. Learn more about how to find the right option of dental prosthetics here.
Choosing the right dental care provider is crucial for the health of your elderly loved ones. WeSmile Dental Care in Singapore offers specialised geriatric dentistry services, ensuring expert care for tooth decay and other dental issues.
Elderly patients often face challenges such as sensitive gums, receding gum lines, and fragile teeth. Our dental professionals use gentle techniques and specialised tools to ensure a comfortable cleaning experience. Here’s what sets our elderly-friendly teeth cleaning apart:
When a tooth extraction becomes necessary, it’s important to approach the procedure with the utmost care, especially for elderly patients who may have additional health considerations. At WeSmile Dental Care, our approach to tooth extraction for elderly patients includes:
At WeSmile Dental Care, our elderly-friendly dental services are designed to provide compassionate, expert care for older adults, ensuring they maintain optimal oral health and enjoy their golden years with confidence and comfort.
Dr. Khor is experienced with geriatric dentistry and is adept at addressing common dental issues faced by seniors, including dentures, gum disease, and identifying the root cause of concerns for long-term care. With a gentle and non-pushy approach, he creates a comfortable environment for seniors, ensuring they feel at ease during visits. Dr. Khor’s multilingual skills facilitate effective communication with diverse patients, fostering trust and understanding.
With a commitment to personalised care and enhancing oral health, Dr. Khor is dedicated to providing seniors with a positive and empowering dental experience. Read more about him here.
The cost of treating teeth decay varies based on the severity of the condition and the specific treatments required. At WeSmile Dental Care, we strive to provide affordable, transparent pricing and exploring financial support options to ensure that individuals can access the dental care they need without financial burden.
Here’s a breakdown of our gum disease treatment prices (inclusive of GST):
From
Both Medisave and the Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) in Singapore may offer subsidies or coverage for selected dental procedures, particularly for eligible seniors.
CHAS benefits are tiered depending on both the household monthly income per person, and the Annual Value of your home. To understand your eligibility, refer to the CHAS website.
Based on the CHAS card that you hold, the subsidies for applicable dental treatments are summarised in this table.
For Singaporeans and PRs, a portion of surgical expenses may be claimed from your Medisave. Drop our clinics a call to understand if your treatment can be claimed from Medisave.
Some insurance packages in Singapore may include coverage for certain dental treatments, providing financial assistance for eligible individuals. It's advisable to check with your insurance provider regarding coverage details and requirements.