Maintaining proper oral hygiene is necessary for everyone, especially seniors need to focus on this. Taking additional care of our oral health can help prevent troubles and maintain the health of our smiles as we age because our teeth and gums can become more susceptible to diseases. These are some basic recommendations for senior dental health.
Brush Twice a Day
It’s crucial to brush your teeth two times a day. To clean your teeth and gums, use fluoride toothpaste and soft bristles toothbrush. Every time you brush, make sure to brush for a minimum of two minutes and make sure to get all the surfaces of your mouth, including your tongue and back teeth.
Floss Daily
Where your toothbrush cannot reach, between your teeth and along the gum line, flossing helps get rid of food particles and plaque. Daily flossing can keep your teeth clean and help avoid gum disease. If using regular floss is problematic for you, you might want to utilise a water flosser or floss picks.
Stay Hydrated
Water consumption is beneficial to your general health and can also maintain the health of your mouth. By flushing food particles and bacteria from the mouth, water helps lower the risk of gum disease and tooth decay. It’s especially crucial to stay hydrated if you suffer from dry mouth, which is a frequent condition among seniors.
Eat a Balanced Diet
The secret to good oral health is a balanced diet. Include whole grains, fruits, veggies and lean meats in your diet. Sugar-filled drinks and snacks should be avoided as they might cause tooth decay. Because dairy items like milk, cheese, and yogurt include calcium, which is essential for strong teeth, they are excellent options.
Visit the Dentist Regularly
Maintaining oral health requires routine dental checkups. For thorough cleanings and examinations, see your dentist at least twice a year. Your dentist can provide you with individualised guidance on how to take care of your teeth as well as early detection and treatment of issues like cavities or gum disease.
Use Mouthwash
Your breath will smell better and less bacteria will remain in your mouth if you use an antibacterial mouthwash. Seek out a mouthwash that has fluoride in it to assist make your teeth stronger. After brushing and flossing, swish it around your mouth for around thirty seconds.
Care for Dentures Properly
It’s crucial to look after your dentures if you wear them. Using a denture brush and some mild soap or denture cleaning, clean your dentures once a day. Regular toothpaste can be excessively abrasive, so stay away from using it. To keep your dentures moist and bacterial-free, soak them in a denture cleaning solution for the entire night.
Avoid Tobacco
Smoking and using tobacco can cause gum disease, tooth decay, and even oral cancer, which can negatively impact your oral health. If you smoke, you might want to give it up. You can get aid from a variety of sources to quit smoking, such as drugs and support groups.
Manage Health Conditions
Your oral health can be impacted by a number of medical disorders, including diabetes and heart disease. Your teeth and gums will be less affected by these disorders if you manage them with the assistance of your healthcare specialist. As directed by your dentist, take any recommended drugs and let them know if your health changes.
Be Aware of Medication Side Effects
Dry mouth, which is a side effect of some medicines, raises the risk of gum disease and tooth decay. Speak with your dentist or physician if you suffer from dry mouth. They could suggest different products or saliva replacements to help you maintain a moist mouth.
Conclusion
As you age, keeping a healthy, pleasant smile depends on taking good care of your dental health. Seniors can avoid dental issues and maintain excellent oral health for years to come by adhering to these easy tips. Never forget that you may always start taking good care of your gums and teeth now!