Dental Care Tips for Older Adults
The elderly are more susceptible to a number of dental issues including – dry mouth, root decay, and gum disease. Dental diseases have also been linked to several other health issues, including heart disease, respiratory infections, and mental health disorders. Elderly people should, therefore, take extra care when looking after their oral hygiene. By taking care of your dental health as you age, you can maintain healthy teeth and gums into your senior years.Here are five dental tips you should follow to keep your teeth looking their best. Here are some dental care tips to follow.
Maintain a good dental routine
The most important way to keep teeth looking their best as you get older is by maintaining a good dental routine. Make sure to brush twice a day, flossing once a day, and using mouthwash to rinse. Elderly people are more prone to developing bacteria in their mouth, so it is best to switch to an antibacterial mouthwash to help get rid of any plaque or bacteria left after brushing. You should also continue to attend regular visits with your dentist so they can check the overall health of your teeth and gums. If you ask your dentist, they will be able to provide you with helpful dental care advice on how to improve your oral health as you get older.
Switch to an electric toothbrush
Many people struggle to clean their teeth effectively with a manual toothbrush as they get older. Switching to an electric toothbrush will assist you when brushing your teeth and help you maintain a good oral hygiene routine. Electric toothbrushes are especially useful for elderly people with limited movement or conditions such as arthritis. An electric brush does most of the physical work to ensure that your teeth get a proper clean every time. It is always worth investing in quality dental products to ensure that your teeth are getting a proper clean. Click here to take a look at a wide selection of quality dental products.
Clean dentures daily
If you have dentures, then it’s important to clean them daily just as you would your natural teeth. The only difference between dentures and natural teeth is dentures cannot be cleaned with regular toothpaste. You, therefore, need to use a formula specifically designed for dentures. Wearing removable dentures constantly can irritate the gums, so it’s essential to have breaks from wearing them, for example, by taking them out while you sleep. Always keep your dentures in water or denture solution when you take them out, to prevent them from drying.
Check for side effects from medication
As people get older, they tend to require more frequent medication. Some common medications taken by the elderly can cause dental side effects such as dry mouth, which can lead to a buildup of plaque and bacteria. This can result in tooth cavities and dental issues like gum disease. So when you start taking a new medication, make sure to keep a close eye on your dental health. Check for any changes, and contact your dentist straight away if you start to notice any issues.
Follow these dental care tips to assure overall health and wellbeing.