La
Plata
Certain common changes happen as you age, whether they are weaker muscles, aching joints, or a potentially higher risk of oral health problems. Fortunately, your dentist can provide you with specific guidelines for helping the elderly preserve a healthier smile in the long run. Keep reading to learn four essential dental hygiene tips that can help you care for your teeth as you age.
Common Oral Health Risks for Seniors
Most people will have an increased risk of developing certain oral issues as they get older. The common dental problems that can occur include:
Tooth/Root Decay
Without proper dental hygiene, bacteria can easily accumulate and cause issues around your smile. Not only can this lead to tooth decay, but it can also pose a risk to your tooth roots, specifically if the gum tissue has receded over time.
Gum Disease
Other than your pearly whites, your gum line will need to be taken care of to protect the connective tissues holding your teeth in place. As you get older, gum disease can become an even bigger problem due to issues like poor diet, anemia, plaque buildup, and even cancer. If you notice red, sensitive, or swollen gums, contact your dentist for help.
Dry Mouth
With age comes less saliva production, which can hurt your oral health. Without enough saliva flow, it’ll be easier for your mouth to dry up, meaning bacteria can more easily settle around your teeth, gums, and tongue. This can raise the risk of cavities as well as halitosis (bad breath).
Helpful Dental Hygiene Tips for Seniors
Although age can open the doors for certain dental risks, you can protect your smile by practicing the following dental hygiene tips:
- Use Antiseptic Mouthwash: Rinsing with antibacterial mouthwash daily can reduce the chances of decay and cavities, protecting your mouth from gum disease and plaque.
- Avoid Tobacco Products: Smoking or chewing tobacco can significantly increase your risk of decay, oral cancer, and other serious health conditions, especially as you age.
- Visit Your Dentist Regularly: By scheduling dental checkups and cleanings every six months, your dentist can catch oral health issues early on so that they can provide treatment before bigger problems develop. They can also help maintain dentures and other restorations to ensure they continue working properly.
- Adhere to Your Doctor’s Recommendations: Remember to take any medications as instructed by your doctor, since health conditions like arthritis and diabetes can lead to oral health problems if left unchecked.
- Try an Electric Toothbrush: For those struggling with limited mobility, using an electric toothbrush can help make your oral hygiene routine much easier to do.
Even with an older smile, you can still make the most of your pearly whites! Practice these dental hygiene tips, and you’ll be sure to enjoy a much healthier grin in the long term.
About the Practice
At La Plata Dental, Dr. Hochman and Dr. Betaharon strive to provide every patient with the best possible dental care to maintain pearly whites. We offer services for people of all ages, and our dentists would be more than happy to discuss some of the most effective ways to preserve a bright and healthy smile. If you wish to improve your dental hygiene routine or want to schedule a consultation, click to schedule an appointment or reach out to us at 240-349-2439.