As you get older, a lot can change in your body and you might find yourself slowly evolving your lifestyle to fit your needs. One of these things might be your dental routine. So what’s most important for seniors and their teeth? Well, there are four things to pay close attention to.
Your Use of Fluoride
The elderly are as prone to cavities as children are, so having a protective layer over the surface of the tooth is very important, Using a toothpaste which contains fluoride and brushing twice a day will drastically decrease the risk of a senior developing a cavity. Asking for a fluoride treatment at the dentist’s office during your bi-yearly cleaning will be very effective in the years to come.
Dry Mouth
Dry mouth is often the cause of certain medications or conditions that develop later on in life. PArticularly for those seniors who have dentures, this can create problems such as chafing and bleeding gums as the dentures rub uncomfortably against your gums. Using a mouth spray or chewing sugar free gum can help keep your mouth moist. Changing your medication in serious cases can also be an option if your doctor approves of it as well.
Denture Care
For most seniors, tooth loss is a common side effect of aging and requires them to get dentures, either partial or complete. Although they are not “real” teeth, you should care for your dentures as if they were. Your dentist can give you a complete care guide on how to keep your dentures in pristine condition so that they have a long life.
Gum Disease
Gum disease often occurs when we don’t take proper care of our teeth. For seniors, it might be the result of mobility issues so they’re not able to visit the dentist, or perhaps their hand shakes too much so they’re unable to brush or floss properly. If either of these are the case, reach out to a loved one for help so you don’t become one of the 65% of seniors who suffer from periodontitis.
Whatever your age may be, your dental health remains a top priority in your life. If you haven’t already scheduled your next visit with a dentist, contact them today and set up an appointment at your earliest convenience.
A healthy smile looks great at any age. Keeping up with good hygiene habits, visiting your dentist regularly and making changes to your routine as your body changes will help you keep a great-looking smile for life.
