At any age, oral hygiene is crucial. But dental hygiene becomes even more critical as we age.
Gum disease is one of the main effects of poor dental health, especially if you’re older. Periodontitis is a severe gum disease that can harm the supporting bone structures. Plus, it also affects the soft tissue that supports the teeth.
The good news is that you can avoid oral diseases, despite how frightening they may sound.
The following are recommendations for dental care as you age.
- Brush and Floss Daily
Make sure to floss and clean your teeth at least twice daily. Plaque accumulating on and between the teeth is removed by brushing and flossing. So, you can see why it’s a crucial component of dental health.
Using a toothbrush with gentle bristles won’t irritate your gums. A soft toothbrush will also help you avoid any damage.
It could be challenging to care for your teeth if you have arthritis or mobility concerns. If you experience these issues, there are a few solutions. For one, an electric toothbrush may help. Another option is to buy a toothbrush with a thicker handle. If the handle is bigger, it may help you brush more easily.
- Avoid Using Tobacco Products
Smoking causes your teeth to become yellow and brown. The more you smoke, the more likely plaque and tartar will accumulate. Additionally, it causes the gum line to recede. Receding gums reveal the teeth’ roots, making them more vulnerable. Eventually, your teeth begin to decay.
Using tobacco products also causes oral cancer. A sign of cancer is lumps or ulcers in and around the mouth, tongue, and lips. If you’ve been experiencing uncomfortable symptoms, it’s best to consult medical professionals.
Unfortunately, tobacco use is a significant risk factor for developing these conditions. So, it’s vital to eliminate using tobacco products.
- A Nutritious Diet Maintains Healthy Teeth
Your dental health is primarily dependent on healthy eating practices. So, your general health and teeth will benefit from a diet high in fruits, vegetables, and grains.
Your body produces more saliva when you eat foods high in fiber. The saliva helps you break down meals more quickly.
Powerful antioxidants in green tea can also aid in preventing tooth issues. Cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease result from sugary foods and beverages.
It’s wise to consider brushing your teeth immediately after eating sugary foods. That way, you’ll wash away excess sugar that may later result in severe health conditions.
- Schedule Routine Dental appointments
The idea that one should go to the dentist every six months is prevalent. Each person has a different optimum dental appointment schedule. You might benefit from scheduling more frequent consultations. That way, you’ll get more thorough cleanings and cavity checks. Not only that, but your dentist can offer excellent oral hygiene advice as you age.
- Keep Your Mouth Hydrated
A lack of saliva and dry mouth are common causes of gum disease in older adults. There are several things a person can do to keep the mouth moisturized. Drinking a lot of water can help keep your mouth hydrated. However, you can also stimulate your salivary glands by chewing sugar-free gum.
- Focus on Not Grinding and Clenching Your Teeth
As you age, it’s also vital to eliminate grinding and clenching your teeth.
It’s inevitable for your teeth will wear down as you get older. It happens to everyone. Yet, as a result, you may notice craze lines. These lines are thin, vertical lines that typically develop with age. Craze lines appear as a result of years of food chewing and pressure on the teeth.
In addition to normal wear and tear, craze lines can also be brought on by:
- Bruxism, misaligned teeth
- Teeth grinding (an uneven bite)
- Chewing on things other than food, like ice or complex objects
A dental night guard shields teeth from harm. It does this by reducing the impact of teeth clenching while sleeping. The barrier aids in preventing two main issues brought on by teeth clenching: chipped teeth and worn-down teeth.
Conclusion
A crucial component of living a healthy lifestyle is dental care. The results of ignoring your oral health are not something you want to experience. To avoid various oral health issues, everyone should prioritize dental care more.
Older adults with healthy teeth can eat better, more nutritious food. Overall, having strong, healthy teeth can improve a person’s quality of life at any age.
These oral hygiene suggestions ensure that we smile more often as we age. You will have something to smile about because you do a great job maintaining a healthy mouth!
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