Senior dental health plays key role in overall wellness

from News On 6 Tulsa

Good oral health becomes increasingly important with age, according to Dr. Chandini Sharma, who joined News On 6 at Noon to discuss the impact dental care can have on seniors’ overall health.

Dr. Sharma said dental problems can trigger a chain reaction that affects nearly every aspect of a person’s well-being.

Q: Why is good oral health more important for seniors?

Dr. Sharma said untreated dental problems can affect a senior’s ability to eat and maintain proper nutrition.

“Let’s just start with a simple thing: tooth problem. If seniors are unable to chew properly, they’re probably not going to be able to eat enough. If they’re not eating enough, they’re going to lose weight. If they’re going to lose weight, they’re also going to lose immunity. If they’re going to lose immunity, they’re going to lose muscle. If they’re going to lose muscle and weight, they’re going to start falling,” Dr. Sharma said.

Q: What resources are available to help seniors maintain dental health?

Dr. Sharma said several community resources are available in Tulsa, including Morton Comprehensive Health Services and community health clinics. She also encouraged seniors to take advantage of local health fairs that may offer dental services.

“You can get on that list and get a whole lot of dental cleaning and crowns,” Dr. Sharma said.

Q: What are some other effects of poor dental hygiene?

Dr. Sharma said oral health can also affect a person’s social interactions and confidence.

She said maintaining healthy teeth is important not only for physical health but also for quality of life.

What is the best advice for maintaining good oral health?

Dr. Sharma said many people seek treatment for dental pain only after problems become severe.

She said one of the most common dental-related reasons people visit an emergency room is a toothache. Addressing dental issues early can help prevent infections and reduce treatment costs.

Dr. Sharma said emergency room care is often the most expensive option for treating tooth infections and encouraged regular dental checkups to help prevent serious problems.