Dental Tips for Seniors to Keep a Healthy Mouth

Seniors can consider the following dental tips to avoid natural tooth loss, root decay and gum disease.

 Check your toothbrush

 Older adults should think about the last time they changed their toothbrush.  Is it the same style and brand of the toothbrush since Nixon was still president?  Does it have the right bristle hardness?  What is best for them, manual or electric toothbrush?

 Aside from using the brush with heavy pressure, the bristles can be very stiff.  They should ask their dentist what type of toothbrush elderly people need.

As suggested by dental professionals, a toothbrush needs to be replaced every 3 to 4 months or even sooner, when the bristles are irregular or worn out. When there is bacteria left behind on the teeth even after brushing, this can cause serious problems including periodontitis and gingivitis.

Floss

They need to floss their teeth everyday. Using a regular dental floss is the most effective way to clean tight spaces in between teeth.

There are some who like to use a waterpik or an oral pulsating irrigator to remove the food remnants between their teeth. It may not be as effective as regular dental floss but it is a good alternative for flossing if this is not possible.

Avoid Smoking

Smokers have double the risk of non smokers in acquiring gum disease. Aside from the harmful effects of smoking tobacco, this weakens the immune system as well as overall health, which makes it harder to fight back gum disease.

Those who smoke more frequently and for a longer time have a greater risk of acquiring periodontal disease and treatments may not be effective for them.

Smoking any form of tobacco, whether pipes, cigarettes, dip or more modern forms, increases the risks of getting gum disease. So the best advice is to refrain from smoking. Or better yet, quit the habit.

Stay Healthy

Dental problems can be caused by some health issues, most especially diabetes. Therefore, it is best to eat healthy, nutritious meals from the basic food groups to promote healthy teeth and gums.This is not only great dental advice but it is also lifelong advice for seniors.

 Watch out for dry mouth

 It is normal for people to undergo changes in their bodies as they age.  One example of this is dry mouth.  When they see a doctor, they may ask what medicines they are taking that make their mouth dry.

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 They should drink plenty of water, and avoid alcohol and chewing sugarless gum.

 Visit your dentist regularly

 Aside from the great dental tips mentioned above, seniors should monitor their oral care regularly.

 It is imperative to visit the dentist every 6 months, along with eating healthy food, practicing proper oral hygiene, flossing once a day, drinking fluoridated water, and looking for regular oral health care..