Dental care is essential at every stage of life. As we age, diligent oral care becomes even more critical to maintainfunction and health. If oral hygiene habits slip, the likelihood of cavities, gum disease, and tooth lossincreases. Seniors with health conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease, need to be especially diligent with their dental care since they have a higher risk of certain oral diseases. Follow these simple stepsto keep your mouth healthy as you age.
Maintain a Thorough DailyHygiene Routine
Regular brushing and flossing effectively remove plaque, a sticky film composedof bacteria. When plaque stays on the teeth for over 48 hours, it hardens and transformsinto tartar. Toothbrushes cannot remove tartar; only professional dental tools can. Plaque and tartarbuildup significantlycontributeto gum disease and cavities.
Ideally, individuals should brush their teeth with a fluoride toothpaste twice daily. It is best to brush after breakfast and before going to bed at night. Flossing is equally as important as brushingyour teethand should not be neglected. A toothbrush can only reach about 60% of thetooth surfaces. Flosscan reach the remainingparts of the tooth. If it becomes difficult for you to use floss effectively, try using floss picks or a water flosser.
Look Out for Changes
As humans age, the risk of developing oral cancer and other dental diseases tends to increase. Any changes inthe soft tissue or function of the oral cavity should be evaluatedby a medical or dental professional.
If you experience any of the following symptoms persistently for over two weeks, schedule an exam with us as soon as possible:
A sore spot in the mouth, lip,or throat
A lump or raised area in the oral cavity
A white or red patch on the oral soft tissue
Issues with chewing, swallowing,or moving the jaw
Numbness in the mouth or tongue
Swelling in the jaw area
Unexplained ear pain (without hearing loss)
Do NotIgnore Dry Mouth
Xerostomia, more commonly referred to asdry mouth,is when an individual is not producing enough saliva to keep the mouth sufficiently wet. The lack of moisture can lead to difficulties in eating, swallowing, and talking. Additionally, drymouth can also contribute to tooth decay and other oral infections.
Dry mouth is not a condition itselfbut rather a symptom of another underlying medical problem or a side effect of a medication. Individuals with diabetes and patients receiving chemotherapy or radiation treatments often experience dry mouth. Contactus or your medicalprovider if you are experiencing chronic dry mouthto pinpoint the root cause.
Practice Tooth-Healthy Habits
Daily habits play a significant role in maintaininga healthy mouth. Makingtooth-healthy choicescan help seniors maintaina healthy, functional smile.
Eat foods that are good for your oral health. Crunchy fruits and vegetables providevital nutrients for oral health and can even lessen plaque buildup. Dairy products are also often recommended for seniorsbecause they are high in calcium, which promotes healthy teeth and bones.
Limit consumption of sugary foods and beverages. It is okay to eat sweets in moderation, but it is best to eat themwith a meal when saliva flow is at its highest.
Avoid smoking and other tobacco products. Tobacco use puts patients at a higher risk for oral cancer and gum disease.
Only drink alcohol in moderation. Heavy drinking can increase a patient’srisk for oral cancer, tooth decay, and gum disease.
See Your Dental Provider Regularly
As a rule of thumb, patients should see their dentist at least twice a year for exams and professional cleanings. These appointments give your dental provider an opportunity to remove stubborn tartar and address any dental concerns. However, some patients may requiresome extra care. Ask us at your next appointment how often we recommend you visit the dentist.
Oral health is important at every age. If you have any concerns about taking careof your smile, let us know atyour next appointment. We can recommend strategies to keep your smile in tip-top shape.
