A healthy, bright smile is a sign of youth and energy. But as we get older, it becomes more and more important to keep our teeth and gums healthy.
If you do not take care of your teeth and gums, you could get cavities, gum disease, or even problems with your whole body’s health. You might want to go to Alpine Dental Center to keep your smile healthy and bright.
Why is oral health important for seniors?
There are many connections between oral health and general health. Our bodies change in many ways as we get older, and some of these changes affect our mouths. Here is why older adults should put good oral health first:
- Increased risk of oral health problems: Aging-related issues like gum recession, dry mouth, and weaker tooth enamel make it more likely for adults to have oral problems.
- Effects on overall health: Not taking care of your teeth and gums can lead to serious health problems like heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.
- Poor quality of life: Dental pain, trouble eating, and being socially awkward can all have a big effect on a senior’s quality of life.
Some essential oral hygiene tips for older adults.
To keep their smiles healthy, older adults should make these daily oral care habits a part of their routine:
- Regular brushing: It is very important to use fluoride mouthwash and brush your teeth twice a day. You can clean your tongue and all the surfaces of your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush and slow, rolling motions.
- Daily flossing: Flossing gets rid of food and bacteria stuck between your teeth, which protects against gum disease and tooth damage.
- Regular checkups with the dentist: Get regular checkups and cleanings with the dentist to find and treat any oral health problems early on.
- Healthy diet: A healthy diet with lots of fruits, veggies, and whole grains can help keep your teeth healthy. Sugary and acidic drinks and foods should be limited because they can wear away tooth enamel.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking a lot of water keeps your mouth hydrated and helps wash away food bits and germs.
- Be mindful with medication use: Be careful when you take certain medicines because they can make your mouth dry, which can cause teeth problems. Talk to your dentist or doctor about possible side effects and ways to avoid them.
Some special considerations for seniors.
There are some oral health problems that seniors may have that need extra care:
- Denture care: A denture cleaner should be used every day to clean your false teeth if you have them. Soak them in a denture cleaner overnight to get rid of germs.
- Dry mouth: If you do not drink enough water, plaque can build up on your teeth and cause cavities. To stop dry mouth and make more saliva, use sugar-free lozenges or mouthwash.
- Gum disease: Gum disease can get worse quickly in older people. To stop teeth loss and other problems, it is important to find and treat problems quickly.
- Sensitivity: As we get older, things that are hot, cold, or sweet may hurt our teeth more. Use toothpaste that makes teeth less sensitive, or talk to your doctor for specific suggestions.
Seniors can have healthy smiles for life if they follow these tips and go to the dentist regularly. Remember that a healthy mouth is a happy mouth, so make it a goal to take care of your teeth.
Visit your dentist today.
If you are worried about your oral health or have signs like sores that will not go away swollen gums, or missing teeth, you should see a dentist right away. Early diagnosis and treatment can help keep smiles healthy for life and keep problems from getting worse.