I’m Dr. James Stewart, and as a family dentist, I have the pleasure of treating patients of all ages. While caring for kids can be difficult sometimes, caring for elderly patients can present a whole other list of challenges.
My team and I understand these challenges that may arise as a person ages, and we strive to provide compassionate and proactive dental care that caters to the specific needs of our elderly patients.
I have had the pleasure of caring for more mature patients for quite some time, so I have come to learn what dental issues often accompany aging.
- Inability to brush and floss properly: Arthritis and other medical conditions can make daily brushing and flossing a challenge. Brushing and flossing is the only way to keep your teeth and gums healthy between dentist visits, so when a patient cannot brush or floss their teeth, coming to the dentist is even more crucial. I recommend using a power toothbrush and other oral hygiene aids to make at-home dental hygiene practices more comfortable.
- Dry mouth: Medications and various health problems can contribute to dry mouth. Sucking on hard candies is not the answer to this problem, for this can cause tooth decay and gum disease. Instead, I suggest frequent and thorough dental exams to help detect problems early. I can prescribe treatments and products that will help to restore moisture in the mouth. Also, drinking lots of water is a great place to start.
- Dentures: The decision to get dentures can often be a difficult one. Luckily, dentures are an area of special interest for me. I will pay close attention to dentures at appointments to make sure they fit properly and are not causing any irritation. I will also check to make sure that the dentures are still in good shape, as most dentures need to be replaced every 7 to 10 years.
Growing older is nothing to be ashamed of. My team and I are proud to offer our patients top-notch care to make the transition as easy and healthy as possible. Please contact my office in Livonia, Michigan for more information.