Due to a lack of care and concern that dentists sometimes express towards their patients, many senior citizens avoid making any appointments to care for their teeth. A recent survey showed that this was the top reason for lack of dentist appointments in older people, ranking higher than the actual cost of a visit. Studies have been undertaken which highlight on the dental care habits and attitudes of the older population.
Most older folks are chiefly concerned with having a dentist who can explain to them about their dental health, and who will listen in return. This must be a considered factor in order to maintain dental health in older people. The dental industry must change its perceptions in older people in order to better the health care system overall.
Horror stories about bad dental experiences are sadly all too common among many senior citizens. I know an older lady who had to have a tooth extracted. During the procedure her dentist instructed her to ingest the accumulation of blood in her mouth. She rebuffed his advice in fear and ending up phoning her spouse to come and pick her up. She left the office without completing the procedure. She now endures dentures.
All patients, no matter their age like to be comfortable in the dentist?s office. Communication is the most important factor. Elderly patients will have a greater amount of trust for dentists who take the time to communicate completely with them.
A thorough explanation of what procedure is going to be performed is very important to seniors. Sometimes it can feel to them that others are doing things behind their back, as they see doctors and dentists more regularly now who typically can’t or won’t provide them with reasonable information. Better information should be available to these patients, especially when it comes to an area as important as the mouth.
Often it is only when they are in pain from a dental problem that this generation will give in and see a dentist. This can cause major problems. That’s because while 8 percent of the population may have dental pain, a staggering 64 percent will develop dental issues. This is a problem that can be solved through ongoing education and awareness.
Although there is a lot of research on the elderly and their dental habits, there are scores of studies on the attitudes and habits of dentists toward to their patients which isn’t limited to older patients. In fact the results of many of these studies can be applied to patients and dentists all over the world. Showing respect is one of the most important things the survey showed would help mitigate a patient’s fear when they visit a dentist’s office.
Many patients tend to avoid the dental chair at all costs until their teeth hurt, which was demonstrated by the answers in this study. Globally, we need to raise awareness of preventative dental care and its role in improving our lives and dental hygiene. Making sure everyone receives compassionate treatment is an everyday task for a dentist.
Another step that can be taken is through the community spreading the awareness of the essential need for oral health. People need to know about it, which will take a significant effort by politicians and civic leaders. Starting from the time when they are children, people of all ages should be exposed to the message of how critical it is to receive proper dental care.
Many recent studies have shown the impact of poor dental health on the overall health of an individual. We all make time to have regular check-ups at the doctor, and it is this attitude that should be carried on when caring for our mouth. This idea would most defiantly strike a chord with the seniors who want to keep active.
It will certainly put a smile on your face when an 80 year old gentleman shows off his “pearly whites!” When he proceeds to tell you that he really appreciates all that his dentist has done for him, with care and devotion, then we’ll know that the health care system is on the right track. Dentists PLEASE head these simple studies, and start showing your patients the level of care and compassion that YOU like to have when YOU have a medical or dental concern!
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