It’s no secret that our bodies undergo various changes as we age. One such change is in our oral health – if not properly managed, it can lead to several dental problems.
Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to maintain good oral health as you age, and in this blog post, I’ll outline some of the most important ones. So keep reading for helpful tips on how to keep your teeth and gums healthy for years to come!
Brush And Floss Regularly
This one may seem obvious, but it’s worth reiterating because it’s just that important. Brushing twice daily and flossing once daily are essential for removing plaque and bacteria from your teeth and gums. If you’re unsure how to brush or floss properly, ask your dentist for a demonstration.
Tooth Decay
Keeping your teeth healthy is important at any age, but it becomes even more crucial as you age. That’s because the risk of tooth decay increases due to several factors.
- First, the enamel on your natural teeth begins to thin out, making them more vulnerable to decay.
- Additionally, your saliva production decreases as you age, which can build plaque and bacteria.
- And finally, many seniors take medications that can cause dry mouth, further exacerbating the problem. But you can take steps to maintain optimal oral health as you age.
Be sure to brush and floss regularly, using toothpaste that contains fluoride. See your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings, and don’t hesitate to ask about dentures or other options if you start to experience tooth loss.
Use Mouthwash
In addition to brushing and flossing, using an antibacterial mouthwash can help reduce plaque and bacteria in your mouth. Be sure to choose a mouthwash that contains fluoride, as this will help strengthen your teeth and prevent cavities.
Gum Disease
As you age, taking care of your teeth and gums is more important than ever. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults over 35, and the risk only increases with age.
Luckily, you can take a few simple steps to reduce your gum disease risk and keep your mouth healthy as you age.
- First, be sure to brush and floss regularly. This helps to remove dental plaque and bacteria from your teeth and gums, reducing your risk of infection.
- Second, eat a healthy diet. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains helps to keep your gums and teeth strong.
- Finally, see your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings. This will help to identify any problems early on and keep your mouth healthy.
Dentures
For many people, dentures are an essential part of maintaining optimal oral health as they age. Dentures help to fill in the gaps left by missing teeth and prevent other teeth from shifting out of place.
They also make it easier to eat and speak properly. But dentures must be cared for to function properly. Here are a few tips for taking care of your dentures:
• Brush your dentures at least once daily with a soft-bristled brush and non-abrasive toothpaste. You should also brush your gums, tongue, and roof of your mouth to remove any dormant food particles or bacteria.
• Rinse your dentures after every meal to remove any food particles or plaque that may have accumulated. Plaque can cause gum disease, so it must be removed regularly.
• Soak your dentures in a mild, denture-soaking solution every night to keep them clean and free of bacteria. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for how long to soak them.
• Handle your dentures with care. Avoid dropping them, as this can damage them.
• See your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and checkups. Your dentures should be checked for fit, wear, and other problems at least once a year.
Dry Mouth
As we age, our bodies change in a variety of ways. One standard change is a decrease in saliva production, which can lead to a condition known as dry mouth.
While dry mouth is not a severe medical condition, it can cause several problems, including an increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease. In addition, a dry mouth can make it difficult to speak and eat.
Fortunately, there are several ways to combat dry mouth and maintain optimal oral health. Sipping on water throughout the day can help to keep your mouth moist, and chewing sugar-free gum can stimulate saliva production.
In addition, avoiding tobacco and cutting back on alcohol will also help reduce dry mouth symptoms.
Oral Cancer
Poor oral hygiene can lead to several health problems, including tooth decay, gum disease, and oral cancer. While brushing and flossing regularly are essential for keeping your mouth healthy, you can do a few other things to reduce your risk of developing oral cancer.
- First, quit smoking. Smoking is one of the leading risk factors for developing oral cancer, so kicking the habit is a great way to reduce your risk.
- Second, limit your alcohol consumption. Excessive alcohol use can also increase your risk of developing oral cancer.
- Finally, see your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings. Your dentist can spot early signs of oral cancer and help you take steps to prevent it from progressing.
Limit Sugary Drinks And Snacks
Sugars feed bacteria and can lead to tooth decay, so it’s essential to limit your intake of sugary drinks and snacks – especially if you cannot brush your teeth immediately afterward. If you do indulge in sugary treats, be sure to brush your teeth soon afterward.
See Your Dentist Regularly
As anyone who has ever had a toothache can attest, oral health is essential to overall wellbeing. Yet, despite its importance, many people fail to see their dentist regularly. There are several reasons, from busy schedules to lack of dental insurance. Remember that Medicare doesn’t cover most dental care, so that you may want private dental insurance.
However, there are also several compelling reasons to ensure that you see your dentist at least once a year. During these appointments, your dentist can detect any problems early on and provide treatment accordingly.
Regular checkups can help prevent cavities and gum disease and give your dentist a chance to catch any problems early.
In addition, seeing your dentist regularly can help you to avoid costly dental procedures down the road. Also, The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has a list of resources available for low-cost dental care. So, if you want to maintain optimum oral health, schedule an appointment with your dentist soon.
Following these tips can help ensure that your teeth and gums stay healthy as you age. And if you have any concerns about your oral health, be sure to talk to your dentist – they’re always happy to help!
Conclusion
While we can’t stop the hands of time, there are ways to maintain optimal oral health as you age. Maintaining good oral hygiene habits and seeing a dentist regularly to help prevent dental problems down the road is essential.
Following these tips for optimal oral health, you can keep your smile looking great for years to come! Have you been neglecting your oral health? Please respond to our subpoena and take the first step towards better dental care.
