Special Dental Tips for Seniors
Follow these tips to help protect your oral health as you age.
No part of the body is exempt from aging, and this includes teeth. As you get older, your teeth may become more brittle and your gums more sensitive. You may even lose some of your teeth. Considering that untreated tooth loss can affect your ability to eat a healthy diet, speak clearly, and interact with others without embarrassment, naturally you will want to keep your natural teeth as long as possible. Here are 5 important tips that can help you continue to enjoy healthy teeth as you age.
Be Vigilant About Home Care
Proper oral care at home is always important for preventing cavities and gum disease. However, as your teeth and gums become more vulnerable with age, home care is increasingly important. Sometimes people develop dexterity issues due to arthritis or stroke that make it difficult for them to brush and floss. If this is the case, try getting a toothbrush with a large handle that is easy to grip and using flossers instead of dental floss. Don’t give up on yourself!
Get Two Professional Cleanings per Year
Typically, one annual cleaning is sufficient for most adults. However, as you age you may want to step up the frequency of your dental visits, especially if you are having trouble caring for your teeth at home or if you have frequent problems with gum pain or bleeding. At California Dental Group we can offer special deep cleaning sessions to help remove plaque from beneath the gums and control gum disease.
Don’t Ignore Dry mouth
Healthy saliva flow is important for keeping teeth healthy. Saliva delivers calcium to teeth, and it also helps wash away plaque bacteria and the food debris they feed on to help prevent cavities and gum disease. Unfortunately, some seniors lack healthy saliva production due to medications, disease, or the aftermath of chemo or radiation. If you experience frequent drymouth, tell your dentist and your physician. They may be able to help relieve drymouth to help you swallow better and protect your teeth.
Treat Dental Pain Promptly
This is actually a good tip to follow at any age: as soon as you experience dental pain, call your dentist for an appointment. By identifying and correcting the problem quickly, you can help prevent further pain and damage to the tooth, gums, and jaw. For example, if you get a root canal in a timely manner, you may be able to prevent severe decay from spreading until you eventually lose the tooth.
Care for your Restorations
Dental restorations like bridges, crowns, and dentures are not lifetime solutions. They will need to be refreshed every few years to ensure a proper fit that is giving you a comfortable bite and a natural appearance. Don’t neglect to get your restorations updated regularly so you can enjoy functional teeth and a beautiful smile as you age.
