Aging impacts every aspect of a person’s physical being. Sometimes, these changes can create challenges that were not there in younger years.
As a dentist, Dr. James Stewart understands these challenges and provides compassionate and complete dental care for aging patients. No two patients are the same, so Dr. Stewart and his dental team take the time to get to know all patients so that we understand and can effectively treat their needs and concerns.
A patient with arthritis, for example, may struggle with daily at-home dental hygiene, namely brushing and flossing, due to movement problems. Additionally, many senior patients take medications that can cause side effects, such as dry mouth, which can lead to tooth decay. Some patients may have not seen a dentist in years simply because getting to the dentist’s office is a task in itself.
Dr. Stewart and his team have been treating aging patients for years, so he understands the challenges commonly associated with senior dental health. These include:
- Inability to brush and floss properly: Medical conditions that affect movement, such as arthritis, can make daily brushing and flossing difficult. It’s essential that patients who have difficulty practicing quality at-home dental hygiene habits see their dentist regularly for thorough cleanings and exams.
- Dry mouth: Medications, cancer treatments, and certain diseases can contribute to dry mouth, which increases a person’s risk of gum disease and tooth decay. Dr. Stewart will provide thorough exams to detect early signs of dry mouth, offer hygiene tips, and diet counseling that will help to restore moisture.
- Dentures: Dr. Stewart is a denture expert. At dental appointments, he will check to make sure dentures fit properly, are comfortable, and check for signs of wear and tear. Aside from general discomfort, ill-fitting dentures can lead to more serious oral health concerns.
- Implants: Dr. Stewart is trained in the placement of dental implants and mini-implants, which can help, stabilize and secure loose dentures.
Call our dental office in Livonia, Michigan at (734) 425-4400 to schedule an appointment.