Generations of Laguna Niguel residents find a trusted family dentist to guide oral, overall health

Basti Dental Care gets to know generations of families. It's common for people to be caring for or providing support to their children and their older parents. As Americans live longer, healthier lives, the average age of caregivers is going up.

In fact, of those caring for loved ones over age 50, they are between age 50 to 64 and usually supporting an ailing spouse or partner. Among those who are caring for the oldest seniors aged 65-plus, they are older (on average aged 63). Of those oldest caregivers, more than one-third described their health as "fair to poor."

While much has been made of getting children in to see the dentist before the 1st birthday or eruption of the first tooth, dental care is a lifelong journey. Professional cleanings are just as important as daily brushing and flossing because the Basti Dental Care team has access to tools that can remove hardened plaque otherwise not treated standard brushes and floss. Drs. Alex and Nina Basti can also identify potential problems during an examination and recommend techniques for you or your loved one to practice good oral hygiene at home more easily and effectively.

Tooth loss is not a natural part of aging

You and your loved may encounter new challenges with advancing age. Generally, older patients are at greater risk for a number of chronic conditions that can have detrimental effects on oral and overall health and that may even be caused by other chronic problems, including:

• Dry mouth that promotes decay and gum infections
• Periodontal disease made worse by old and/or poorly fitting dentures and restorations, and other diseases such as diabetes and cancer
• Hormonal changes such as bleeding, burning gums and dry mouth among menopausal women

Don't forget to take care of yourself. An estimated 17 percent of caregivers in an AARP study described their general health as having deteriorated since they started caregiving. If you are not in good health, you are not able to care for your loved one or any other loved ones that depend on you. By finding a trusted family dentist in Laguna Niguel, you are a step closer to restoring and maintaining the good health that will enable you to be at your best for many years to come. Call 949-427-2096 to schedule an appointment with Drs. Alex and Nina Basti.