Attending to our oral health becomes increasingly important as we age. Seniors are especially susceptible to such problems as gum disease, tooth decay, and tooth loss. Yet many seniors neglect this aspect of their health. They may not have access to resources for quality preventative dental care, including regular teeth cleanings.
Penn Dental Medicine at PHMC Public Health Campus on Cedar offers affordable senior dental cleanings in West Philadelphia. This vital preventive dental care is part of our mission to achieve health equity and sustain public health in the city’s West and Southwest regions.
Why Seniors Need Regular Teeth Cleaning in Philadelphia
Like seniors everywhere, older adults in Philadelphia face a greater risk of oral health problems.
Among adults in the United States aged 65 or older, the CDC reports:
- One in five have untreated tooth decay.
- About two in three have gum disease.
- Nearly one in five have lost all their teeth.
- Cancers of the mouth (oral and pharyngeal cancers) are primarily diagnosed in seniors.
- Many medications older Americans take for chronic conditions can cause dry mouth, which raises their risk of tooth decay.
Even when seniors practice good oral hygiene, plaque and tartar can build up on teeth over time. This buildup can cause inflammation and infection in gums that lead to periodontal disease, a severe gum infection that can cause bone and tooth loss.
Fortunately, preventative dental cleanings do much to reduce seniors’ risk of these problems.
Types of Teeth Cleaning in Preventative Dental Care
Preventive dental care refers to measures taken to maintain good oral health and prevent dental problems. It includes not only daily brushing and flossing but also regular dental checkups, including regular teeth cleanings.
Different types of dental cleanings can address Philadelphia seniors’ needs.
- Prophylaxis cleaning is a common, straightforward procedure. Your dentist uses specialized tools and techniques to remove plaque, tartar, and stains from your teeth.
- Deep cleaning may be appropriate if you have periodontal disease or other gum issues. Also called scaling and root planing, it’s a thorough cleaning method that reaches below the gum line to remove plaque and tartar buildup. Deep cleaning requires local anesthesia and may take more than one appointment to complete, but it is needed to prevent further damage to your teeth and gums.
- Periodontal maintenance involves cleaning and monitoring your gums closely to ensure they remain healthy. This type of cleaning is essential for seniors who’ve undergone treatment for gum disease to help prevent further complications.
Your dentist will recommend a schedule of care best suited to your situation. Generally speaking, seniors should receive regular teeth cleanings every six months.
Other Dental Preventive Care Philadelphia Seniors Need
Although seniors in Philadelphia need dental cleanings on a regular basis, cleanings aren’t the only preventative dental care that benefits them.
Exams and X-Rays
Dental exams allow dentists to assess the mouth’s overall health and identify potential issues requiring treatment. X-rays help them see issues invisible to the naked eye, including cavities, bone loss, and impacted teeth.
By regularly performing exams and X-rays, dentists can catch dental issues in their earliest stages and stop them from becoming more severe.
Sealants
Sealants are a protective coating made of thin, durable plastic. When applied to the back teeth’s chewing surfaces, they help seal nooks and crannies where food particles can get trapped. As a result, these teeth are easier to clean and more resistant to decay.
Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride is a natural mineral that helps strengthen tooth enamel, making it more resistant to acid attacks from harmful bacteria.
Dentists recommend you brush with fluoride toothpaste at home. They may also apply fluoride treatments—gels, varnishes, and foams—in the dental office. Such treatments provide an added layer of protection against cavities, especially for seniors more vulnerable to tooth decay.
Oral Cancer Screenings
Oral cancer may not manifest noticeable symptoms until its later stages. Early detection can significantly increase the chances of successful treatment.
During your regular dental checkup, your dentist or hygienist will perform a quick, painless oral cancer screening, examining your gums, tongue, and throat for problems.
Other Benefits of Regular Dental Cleanings
Beyond removing harmful bacteria and plaque and reducing the risk of periodontal disease, regular dental cleanings yield other benefits.
A healthy mouth makes eating well and enjoying your food easier. And because research has linked periodontal disease to such serious problems as heart disease, diabetes, respiratory diseases, and dementia, seniors who stay in good oral health lower their risk of such issues.
Regular dental cleanings also help seniors maintain healthy and attractive smiles, which can lead to more confidence and enjoyment of life. One of Philadelphia’s most famous seniors, Benjamin Franklin, is widely quoted as having said, “She laughs at everything you say. Why? Because she has fine teeth!”
Trust PDM at PHMC on Cedar for Philadelphia Senior Dentistry
Seniors concerned about dental cleaning should know it’s usually a comfortable and painless procedure. Indeed, it can save them from more extensive and expensive dental procedures later.
At PDM at PHMC on Cedar, we offer dental cleanings to Philadelphia seniors using high-quality materials and effective, patient-centered techniques.
And preventive dental care at PDM at PHMC on Cedar is low-cost. We use a sliding fee scale for patients who need it. We accept all Medicaid plans offered to residents of Southeastern Pennsylvania. And we offer manageable financing plans for qualifying patients, including a six-month, no-interest option.
Schedule your appointment today by calling 855-887-9229 or submitting this form and help ensure you enjoy a bright, healthy smile for years to come.
