The Village Dentist
For over three decades, the team at Pennant Hills Dental Centre has operated a modern dental facility, ‘The Village Dentist’, at the Anglican Retirement Villages (ARV) Castle Hill. The clinic aims to provide a wide range of dental services to our elderly patients that are not always readily available to many residents in other hostels and nursing homes.
A modern and friendly environment welcomes our elderly patients to the facility, which is on the 1st floor of the new ARV Health Centre Castle Hill. Our clinicians are members of the Australian Society for Special Care In Dentistry (ASSCID) and understand the needs of patients in retirement villages, nursing homes and hostels. Using innovative technology and up-to-date techniques for the prevention and treatment of dental problems in our elderly patients, we can offer comprehensive care in this excellent facility.
Availability
The dental clinic is available 5 days per week by appointment with an emphasis on morning sessions. Saturday sessions will be available in the future for the convenience of carers and family members who cannot attend sessions during the working week.
Accessibility
The facility is designed for wheelchair access. A special hydraulic lifter is available to guide severely disabled or non-ambulatory patients gently into the dental chair to enable dental treatment someone might otherwise deny them to undergo.
Aged care dentist in Pennant Hills
Whether you’re a patient coming from an independent living facility, hostel or nursing home, we aim to ensure that comprehensive dental services are readily accessible.
Common dental health issues amongst seniors
As we get older, we face a larger risk of developing various dental health conditions rises. Many of these oral health issues are simple to prevent and treat, which is why maintaining regular dental check-ups is essential in all stages of life.
Here are some of the oral health problems that commonly affect the aged population:
Gum disease: When the soft tissue surrounding the teeth becomes infected, usually because of a build-up of plaque and tartar around the gum line, it’s known as gum disease or periodontal disease. Gum disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss.
Attrition: This refers to the general ‘wear and tear’ of teeth. Attrition is, mostly, inevitable. Over the years, tooth enamel gradually wears down, which can make teeth more sensitive and prone to cavities and infection.
Dry mouth: Some illnesses, medications and medical treatments can lead to an oral condition known as ‘dry mouth’. This condition increases the chances of tooth decay.
Oral diseases: As we age, we can become more susceptible to serious oral health conditions, for example, mouth cancer. We also face an increased chance of experiencing less serious oral health diseases, for example, oral thrush or other fungal issues.
Root decay: As we age, our gums recede and can eventually expose the roots of our teeth. When a tooth root is exposed, it’s more vulnerable to decay.
Tooth sensitivity: Teeth can often become more sensitive with age as the enamel on them thins and the gum surrounding their roots gum recedes.
If you suspect you or one of your loved ones has any dental concerns, don’t hesitate to contact your aged care dentist in Pennant Hills.
Keep your natural teeth healthy for life
Your natural teeth can last your whole life with sufficient at-home oral hygiene and regular visits to the dentist. Here are some other things you can do to ensure your teeth and gums stay healthy, happy and pain-free:
1. Brush and floss daily
Keeping your mouth clean is key to great oral health. Whether you’ve all your natural teeth, dentures or dental implants, twice-daily brushing with fluoride toothpaste is essential. It’s also recommended to keep up with flossing once a day to remove food debris and bacteria from where a toothbrush can’t effectively reach. You can add an antibacterial mouthwash into your daily at-home dental care regime too for extra measure!
2. Consume a healthy diet
Consuming healthy, balanced meals that provide you with adequate nutrition can be key to maintaining your gum health. Try to only eat starchy and sugary foods in careful moderation, as eating these foods can encourage decay and disease in your mouth. As well as being good for your teeth and gums, a wholesome, balanced diet can boost your overall health and immune system.
3. Increase calcium intake
Calcium contributes to strong and healthy teeth, especially as you age. It’s generally recommended that seniors consume 1000mg of calcium per day to reduce the risk of osteoporosis, which can have significant effects on the bone that surrounds your teeth. Calcium is best sourced from low-fat dairy products.
4. Stay hydrated
When your mouth is dry, bacteria that cause decay and disease flourish. You may have a dry mouth as a result of medication, a blocked nasal passage or simply from not staying hydrated enough. A great way to ensure your mouth has enough saliva to help rid the surface of your teeth and gums of bacteria is to ensure you drink enough water throughout the day. Not only does staying hydrated positively impact the health of your mouth, but it can also have great general health benefits.
5. Know the side effects of any medication you take
Some medications can have side effects that can affect your oral health. For example, many medications can result in a condition known as dry mouth, which can lead to many dental issues. If you’re on medication that has side effects that may affect your oral health, be sure to let your dentist know so they can help you combat the changes in your mouth to protect your teeth and gums.
6. Appropriate denture care
Dentures are a great long-term solution for replacing missing teeth. They do, however, require special care to help them last. It’s important to ensure you look after them per your dentist’s instructions. If you face any issues with your dentures, ensure you seek dental care to ensure they remain in good condition and fit in your mouth optimally.
7. Maintain regular dental visits
A primary way to look after your oral health, well into your senior years, is by having biannual dental checkups and professional teeth cleaning. Professional dental care is key to maintaining optimal dental health throughout your life and providing elements of dental care you can simply not achieve at home on your own. At The Village Dentist, our dentists have unparalleled knowledge and experience, advanced tools and technology and can deliver the latest in dental techniques to help you maintain a beautiful smile and happy, healthy gums.
