Maintaining oral health is important at any age but it becomes more vital in our senior years. Seniors experience many challenges in getting the oral healthcare they need. For example, according to CareQuest, one in five seniors who live in
rural communities haven't been to the dentist in the previous five years.
Working with a dental provider is key to keeping healthy smiles for mature adults. Dentists work with their senior patients, considering their unique health concerns when formulating oral health plans.
This blog will discuss our top tips for maintaining healthy teeth for seniors. We'll also talk about tactics for preventing dental issues before they become serious concerns.
Schedule Regular Dental Check-Ups
According to Colgate, visiting the dentist
twice a year for a routine dental exam in cleaning is the best rule of thumb. Going to the dentist infrequently or not at all will give
minor dental problems more time to fester and become serious. Seniors should stick to the schedule of
visiting their dentist twice a year for check-ups unless they're told something different by their dentist.
Some of the things that happen during a
senior dental care appointment include:
- X-rays
- Teeth and gum examination
- Removal of plaque and tartar
- Teeth polishing
- Dental work recommendation (if necessary)
- Discussion of your overall oral habits and health
Staying on Top of At-Home Oral Health Practices
Most dentists recommend that their patients brush their teeth twice a day - once in the morning and once at night. There may be some instances where
your dentistcould suggest you brush after each meal.
Most seniors have typically already established their brushing twice-a-day routine. However, if you haven't, it's never too late to get started on your
dental care routine.
A few ways you can make improvements to your already established
brushing rituals
include:
- Swapping out your traditional toothbrush for an electric one
- Using a water pic
- Change your toothbrush every three months
- Use the right bristle strength for your gums
- Brush with a dentist-recommend toothpaste that has fluoride
You'll want to ensure you brush for a full two minutes each time. We recommend setting a timer to keep track of how long you've been brushing.
Another aspect of maintaining
healthy smiles is flossing. Some patients don't floss at all. Some of the benefits of flossing every day include:
- Reducing the risk of gum disease and cavities
- Improving your oral health outcomes
We understand that flossing can be difficult for some seniors, especially if you have a bridge. Work with your
dental hygienist
to adopt a flossing routine that works best for you.
Incorporate a Mouthwash Into Your Routine
While many patients may already be brushing and flossing, using a mouthwash isn't as common. Using an antibacterial or antiseptic mouthwash one to two times each day is a wonderful addition to your brushing routine. The order in which you should take care of your teeth includes:
- Brush
- Floss
- Gargle with mouthwash
Mouthwash should be the last step because if you use it first, you may be less inclined to brush and floss since your mouth already feels clean.
One of our
oral health tips for seniors is to use an alcohol-free mouthwash. This type of mouthwash isn't as strong in flavor, but it's just as effective for ridding your mouth of harmful bacteria.
Adopt a Healthy Diet
Good nutrition is important for people of all ages since it helps control your weight and gives you energy. As we age, the nutrients and amount we need to eat change. Eating healthily may help
prevent some diseases, such as:
- High blood pressure
- Type 2 diabetes
- Osteoporosis
- Heart disease
Consuming sugary drinks and food can result in various dental problems. These may include:
- Gum disease
- Tooth decay
- Cavities
Treating yourself to the occasional soda or piece of candy now and then is perfectly normal. We recommend brushing your teeth afterward to ensure the sugar doesn't sit on your teeth.
Increase Your Calcium Intake
Calcium is a key component for the
health of seniors. Many mature adults experience a decrease in calcium as they age. Seniors need to ensure they increase their calcium intake to improve their overall health, including their teeth.
Mature adults are more susceptible to osteoporosis, which can break down the bones surrounding your teeth. This can cause major dental problems if left unattended. Increasing your calcium intake can
keep your teeth healthy and strong while combating osteoporosis.
Drink Plenty of Water
Seniors tend to take many medications that give them dry mouth. While a dry mouth can be uncomfortable, it can also cause
enamel erosion. Speak to
your doctor if you're experiencing dry mouth due to medications.
If you're unable to switch your medications to ones that don't give you unpleasant side effects, it's recommended to drink more water. A few factors that determine how much water you need to drink include:
- Climate
- Energy output
- Weight
The recommended amount of water most people should drink daily is 64 ounces.
Avoid Using Tobacco Products
Tobacco can have a significant impact on your overall health, including your teeth. Common side effects of smoking cigarettes or chewing tobacco include:
- Tooth decay
- Stained teeth
- Heart diseases
- Mouth and throat cancer
It can be challenging to quit using tobacco products, especially if they've been part of your life for many years. Speak to
your dentist about developing a cessation plan. They'll have tips and tricks that you can adopt to help you quit.
Galvez Dental Helps Seniors Achieve Healthy Smiles
Staying on top of healthy smiles
for seniors doesn't have to be complicated. Continuing your good oral hygiene practices and going to the dentist twice a year is the best way to avoid any serious dental problems from arising. It's never too late to get started exhibiting good oral health practices if you haven't been on top of them.
Galvez Dental is here to provide seniors with exceptional dental care in the Stockton area. We provide a wide range of services, including tooth extractions, veneers, teeth whitening, and general dentistry. Reach out to our office to schedule an appointment.
