How to Keep Your Teeth and Gums in Good Condition as You Get Older
Taking appropriate care of one’s teeth and gums as one age is essential for preserving oral health and warding off more serious dental problems that might arise with neglect. Here are a few suggestions for maintaining healthy teeth in elderly age:
Twice daily tooth brushing with fluoride toothpaste is recommended to remove plaque and germs that can cause cavities and gum disease. It’s recommended that you brush for two full minutes every time.
The plaque and bacteria that can cause gum disease can only be removed by daily flossing. If you do this, you will have less chance of cavities, gum disease, and stale breath.
Use an antiseptic mouthwash to eliminate odor-causing microorganisms and improve your oral hygiene.
See your dentist regularly so any troubles can be caught early and treated before they become catastrophic. Restrict your consumption of sugary and acidic meals, as these can contribute to tooth decay. Instead, focus on eating lots of veggies, fruits, and complete grains.
Avoid tobacco products at all costs; consuming tobacco can lead to numerous dental issues, including tooth decay, oral cancer, and periodontal disease. Denture wearers should take special care to keep their false teeth free of plaque and tartar, as this can lead to an infection. Soak them in a cleaner overnight and brush them every day.
Keep your mouth moist and free of microorganisms by drinking lots of water throughout the day. To keep your healthy gums and teeth and prevent more serious dental problems as you get older, follow these guidelines.
Keep in mind that some drugs might induce dry mouth, which in turn can cause dental problems. Dry mouth is a common side effect of many medications; if you’re taking one of these drugs, you should discuss options for relieving this problem with your dentist.
Keep Your Teeth and Gums in Good Condition
Use caution while using toothpicks because gum recession commonly occurs with aging, exposing the tooth roots. Teeth with exposed roots are more vulnerable to damage from toothpicks, which can result in pain or even tooth loss. Find out from your dentist the best approach to clean in between your teeth if your gums are receding.
One solution is dental implants, as tooth loss from cavities, gum disease, or an accident becomes more common as we age. Dental implants are a viable option for tooth replacement. They mimic the look and feel of real teeth and can even aid with bone preservation.
Remember that your gums also need care and attention when brushing and flossing; they are more prone to disease as we get older. Keep your gums healthy with regular, gentle brushing and the use of an antibacterial mouthwash.
The indications and symptoms of oral cancer, which are more common in the elderly, include sores that don’t heal, bleeding inside the mouth for no apparent reason, and lumps or swelling inside or around the lips. Get to the dentist immediately if you experience any of these problems.
Also, as we get older, our mouths can change, so it’s important to talk to our dentist as well as hygienist about these changes. They are in a unique position to guide how to maintain healthy gums and teeth as we become older. Keeping your healthy gums and teeth is crucial to maintaining your general health as people age since excellent dental health is associated with good general health.
