Oral health is always a big deal, no matter your age. Taking care of your teeth applies to everyone, whether children, grown-ups, or seniors. In the case of seniors’ dental care, it’s especially important to maintain good oral health as you age. As your body changes with time, your face and jaws are particularly prone to those changes. Maintaining good oral health into your golden years is one particularly effective way to keep control the aging process and keep your body as a whole healthy. It might be a little harder to clean your teeth and gums as you get older, but it’s not impossible. Here are some simple tips to help you look after your teeth in your twilight years.
1. Keep brushing every day
It’s always important to brush twice a day, especially for seniors. Brushing eliminates the plaque and germs that cause cavities and other oral health problems. Maintaining good oral hygiene is particularly important for seniors, as healthy teeth are vital for retaining healthy jaws and avoiding radical changes to your appearance. For seniors who have difficulty holding a toothbrush, you may want to invest in an electric toothbrush. An electric toothbrush cleans your teeth thoroughly, and as it’s electric, you don’t have to press as hard with your hands to brush properly.
2. Floss regularly
Flossing is an integral part of proper oral health, along with regular brushing. Making a habit of flossing every day goes a long way toward keeping your teeth healthy and preserving your smile as you grow older. For many seniors, you may need to buy a specialized flosser to assist with flossing. Many seniors lose fine motor control over the years, so keep that in mind when flossing to find a method that works for you. You may also wish to consult your dentist to get some professional advice to find a convenient and effective way to floss.
3. Take care of your oral appliances
Many seniors often need replacements for missing teeth, like dentures, bridges, or crowns. While these dental appliances may function like natural teeth, they often need special care to clean properly. Pay attention to your dentist’s advice, they can offer special instructions to properly care for your appliances. Pay attention to what your body tells you as well. If your appliances cause pain or discomfort, tell your dentist immediately. Your dentures and dental implants need to fit in comfortably to retain functionality, so let your dentist know right away so you can address any problems.
4. Drink plenty of water
Drinking plenty of water is a common piece of dental health advice. Drinking water helps rinse the mouth, eliminating plaque and germs to make the mouth cleaner. However, for seniors, many medications cause dry mouth, which can lead to enamel erosion. In case of dry mouth, drink plenty of water to hydrate your mouth and ensure there’s enough moisture in your mouth to eliminate those germs. While you’re at it, you may also want to consult your dentist to see if you can’t change your medication to one that doesn’t cause dry mouth,
5. Steer clear of tobacco
Tobacco is a common no-no for oral health. Aside from the respiratory issues, tobacco also has adverse effects on oral health, like staining the teeth and contributing to bad breath, making it a less than optimal lifestyle choice for the oral health-conscious. All types of tobacco cause issues for your oral health, chewing tobacco in particular. Chewing tobacco may cause tooth decay, but all tobaccos increase the risk of cancer, including mouth and throat cancer, along with other life-threatening issues. Consult your dentist to determine if you’re at risk for cancer. Alternatively, your dentist may also be able to help you develop a plan to kick the habit if you haven’t already. Keep in mind, it’s never too late to quit.
6. Visit your dentist often
Common dental wisdom is that you should visit the dentist at least twice a year, particularly if you’re a senior. These dental visits are a golden opportunity to stay on top of any oral health issues, especially if you have an ongoing condition already. Even if you don’t these visits incorporate checkups that allow your dentist to monitor your condition and catch signs of disease early. Catching any disease early gives you more time to address it, perhaps prevent it entirely. The key to getting that warning in the first place is visiting the dentist, so make the time to visit the dentist twice a year to ensure they get a chance to examine your teeth and gums.
Dental care always matters, especially for seniors. As you age, it becomes all the more important you take good care of your oral health. Keep these tips in mind to help you give your teeth the TLC they deserve.
Need a reliable family dentist? Give Dr. Mark Rhody a call. At our clinic, we offer a wide range of dental services and compassionate dental care to make your time with us as easy and uncomplicated as possible. Give us a call at (416) 231-4281 to make an appointment.