Proper oral hygiene habits are equally essential for seniors as they are for children. Being elderly, you may face a variety of dental problems, but with good dental care, your teeth and gums will remain healthy. Dental issues may occur more frequently in later years due to age, but there are ways to prevent this from getting worse. To avoid aging, you should see your dentist regularly to inspect and deal with any dental issues quickly to avoid oral health repercussions. Read on to learn more tips on maintaining your oral health as a senior.
- Brush and Floss Regularly
One of the best ways to maintain good oral health as a senior citizen is by brushing and flossing regularly. Brushing helps remove bacteria and plaque from teeth, while flossing reaches between teeth and between the teeth to remove food particles and other debris. It’s important to be consistent with your oral care routine, as failure to do this can lead to bad dental health.
Brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once. While brushing, start with the back of your mouth and work your way to the front – using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Leave the bristles slightly touching your teeth in a circular pattern. Be sure to use fluoride toothpaste, which helps prevent cavities and strengthens tooth enamel.
- Use Mouthwash
Seniors citizens should use mouthwash to keep their oral health healthy. Mouthwashes are effective in killing bacteria and plaque that can cause gingivitis, tooth decay, and other oral diseases. Always use a mouthwash that is specifically designated for seniors, as it will have lower concentrations of alcohol and other chemicals.
- Take Calcium Supplements
If you are a senior citizen, you need to take calcium supplements. Calcium helps keep your bones strong and helps control blood pressure. A majority of seniors do not take enough calcium through food. They need to supplement it for optimum oral health.
If you are taking a calcium supplement, make sure to drink plenty of water with it. This will help remove any excess calcium from your system.
- Avoid Tobacco Products
One of the easiest ways to avoid tooth decay and other oral health problems as a senior citizen is to avoid using tobacco products.
Studies have found that smokers are twice as likely as nonsmokers to suffer from cavities and that smokers are five times as likely to experience some form of tooth decay. Not only does tobacco use damage teeth, but it can also cause other health issues, like heart disease and cancer. If you want to protect your oral health and keep your smile shining into older age, make sure you steer clear of tobacco products!
- Drink More water
Drinking enough water is essential for maintaining good oral health. It helps to neutralize acids that can damage teeth, reduce plaque and bacteria accumulation, and keep the mouth moist, which inhibits tooth decay. For those over the age of 65, it is especially important to drink plenty of water as they tend to suffer from dry mouth quite often.
- Consume less sugar
Senior citizens are more prone to tooth decay because of the decrease in saliva production. One way to help keep teeth healthy and resist tooth decay is by consuming less sugar. Sugar contributes to tooth decay by promoting bacterial growth in the mouth. Additionally, sugary foods and drinks can cause inflammation, leading to cavities. Avoid eating or drinking too much sugar to prevent tooth decay and maintain oral health.
- Visit the Dentist Regularly
Senior citizens are encouraged to visit their dentist regularly to help maintain oral health. By scheduling regular appointments and following through with recommendations, seniors can avoid developing any dental problems in the future.
The Australian Dental Association recommends that people visit a dentist at least twice a year for a clean check-up and routine maintenance. This includes routine gum disease detection and treatment exams, checking fillings and crowns, and identifying any decay or other issues.
Conclusion
Senior citizens must be more careful with oral health because they are more likely to develop plaque and tartar on their teeth. They need to make regular trips to the dentist. Unfortunately, many senior citizens don’t visit their dentists because they might not realize anything is wrong with their oral health. However, this should not be the case, visit us at Carrum Downs Dental Clinic, and our dentist will be happy to attend to all your dental needs.
