It is very important to practice dental care in all stages of life. However, taking care of aging teeth is crucial. With a lot of health complications arising in the later stages in life, you need to make sure that your dental health does not become a big one. We have some simple tasks on how to practice senior dental care.
1. Do Not Skip Dental Appointments
Regular dental check-ups are essential for maintaining optimal Senior Dental Care. These visits serve as opportunities to identify potential dental issues before they escalate into more serious problems. During these appointments, dentists conduct thorough examinations to assess for tooth decay, gum diseases, and even screen for oral cancer, especially crucial for seniors who may be at higher risk. By attending regular check-ups, seniors can ensure that any dental concerns are promptly addressed, thus preserving their oral health and overall well-being.
Neglecting or infrequent dental appointments can result in serious dental issues going unnoticed. Beyond the cosmetic aspect of maintaining a presentable smile, these appointments play a crucial role in preventing dental decay, gum diseases, and identifying potential oral health complications early on. Seniors should prioritize regular dental visits to address any emerging issues promptly and maintain their oral health for a healthier, happier life.
2. Brush Your Teeth Everyday
Maintaining a consistent oral hygiene routine is crucial for optimal Senior Dental Care. Start by brushing your teeth twice daily, ideally in the morning upon waking and before going to bed. Ensure you replace your toothbrush or toothbrush head every three months to maintain its effectiveness, as worn-out bristles may not clean as efficiently. Additionally, choose a toothbrush with the appropriate bristle strength for your needs; while many seniors benefit from soft bristles, individuals with gum conditions may require harder bristles for more thorough cleaning.
Consult your dentist to determine the most suitable toothpaste for your dental needs. Fluoride toothpaste is often recommended for seniors due to its effectiveness in preventing dental decay. When brushing, allocate at least two minutes for the process and refrain from rinsing immediately afterward, particularly if using fluoride toothpaste. Allowing the fluoride to remain on the teeth for at least half an hour enhances its efficacy in protecting against decay. Avoid drinking liquids during this time to maximize the benefits of fluoride application. By incorporating these practices into your daily routine, you can maintain optimal oral health and preserve your smile for years to come.
3. Floss On A Regular Basis
Many people do not pay heed to this but flossing is really important for the health of your teeth. It can be a pain and many resort to rinsing or using a water pic. We like those ideas and can be ideal for removing particles of food, BUT these methods are not as effective for removing plaque and bacteria. It’s best just to get into a habit of flossing every night.
Gums bleeding when you floss? This is a sign that you aren’t flossing enough. If you are flossing every night and your gums still bleed, this may be signs of a potential problem. Make an appointment with your dentist to check it out.
4. Oral Health Additives and Avoidants
Some other things that you can do for healthy teeth and gums is to rinse your mouth with an antibacterial and antiseptic mouthwash at least once or twice a day. You can also use some calcium supplements to strengthen your teeth. If you are used to consuming products that have tobacco, then it is best to break this habit.
Tobacco can be really harmful to your oral health as well as your overall health. If you have a sweet tooth, you should make sure that you minimize your intake of sugary foods and beverages to reduce the chances of tooth decay. Eat fruit instead of candy. Limit sugary drinks. Swish some water after you have eaten something sweet to help wash the sugar away.
5. Don’t Ignore Pain
Seniors often will disregard pain as just a part of being older. Most of the time, this is not the whole truth. While aging does intensify experiences you might have with pain in the body, you shouldn’t ever disregard it as normal, especially when it comes to your oral care. Oral pain can be some of the worst pain you’ll ever have.
No one should sit that out. Oral pain also is usually a sign of something more serious occuring such as oral cancer, tooth decay, gum disease, and more. Don’t delay in contacting your dentist. Miami Valley Smiles leaves room in our schedule to accomodate emergencies and are on-call after hours!
Bottom Line for Practicing Senior Dental Care
We understand the idea of aging gracefully. Keep in mind that at no age is dental health 100% perfect. Just because you are young does not mean your teeth will be perfect. Sometimes genetics can give you soft teeth and you have to practice more elaborate care at a younger age. There are some older adults that have great oral care! It’s all in how you treat your health. It’s a part of self care that should never be disregarded.
Looking for a dentist to help you keep good oral care throughout the ages? Miami Valley is here for you! Whether you’re new to the Miami Valley area or you’re just looking for a new dental home for you and your family, we promise to provide the same care for you that we do for our own. Contact us today to set up an appointment!
