Aging and Oral Health
As you age, it becomes even more important to take good care of your teeth and oral health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately one-fourth of adults age 65 and older have no remaining teeth. What’s more, nearly one-third of older adults have untreated tooth decay.
Oral health, regardless of age, is crucial to overall good health. Ideally, we all want to keep your natural teeth, but whether you’re caring for natural teeth or dentures, advancing age may put older adults at risk for a number of oral health problems, including:
- Dry mouth
- Diminished sense of taste
- Root decay
- Gum disease
- Uneven jawbone caused by tooth loss
- Denture-induced tissue inflammation
- Overgrowth of fungus in the mouth
- Attrition (loss of teeth structure by mechanical forces)
- Oral cancer
These conditions may not be diagnosed until it is too late. If you want to feel good, stay healthy, and look great throughout life, you might be surprised what a difference a healthy mouth makes.
Here are some tips for maintaining and improving your oral health as you become older:
- Brush twice a day with a toothbrush with soft bristles. You may also benefit from using an electric toothbrush.
- Clean between your teeth once a day with floss or another interdental cleaner.
- If you wear full or partial dentures, remember to clean them on a daily basis. Take your dentures out of your mouth for at least four hours every day. It’s best to remove them at night.
- Drink tap water. Since most contains fluoride, it helps prevent tooth decay no matter how old you are.
- Quit smoking. Besides putting you at greater risk for lung and other cancers, smoking increases problems with gum disease, tooth decay, and tooth loss.
- Visit Hand Family Dentistry regularly for a complete dental checkup.
If you have any questions about keeping up with your oral hygiene at home, please give us a call!
It’s important to take good care of your teeth as you age. Elderly patients often need more frequent visits to stay healthy, as they are at a higher risk of oral complications, including extraction, tooth decay, and periodontal (gum) disease.
Electric Toothbrush
One of the best things you can do for your oral health, especially during your golden years, is to invest in an electric toothbrush. Whereas a traditional toothbrush takes a bit more elbow grease, electric toothbrushes clean your teeth while requiring minimal physical effort. This is perfect if you struggle with mobility. It cleans your mouth without jeopardizing your physical wellbeing.
Modify Your Traditional Toothbrush
If you are unable to invest in an electric toothbrush, there is a way to modify your traditional toothbrush. Try elongating the handle of your toothbrush. This way you can easily reach your back molars and other harder to reach areas. Look around your home for a few simple materials. Specifically, foam, rubber, or even tongue depressors can assist you. Wrap these around your toothbrush handle closer to its end. You should now have a longer toothbrush and brushing your teeth should be much easier.
Caretakers Can Help Too
If you live with or take care of an older individual, your help is important too. Gently remind them to brush twice a day and floss as well. If they have problems with physical tasks, assist them. You can also offer to give them rides to their dental appointments or even schedule the appointments for them. As dental care can be expensive, many communities offer public health programs for older patients, offering discounted or even free services. Reach out to your local social services or public health office to learn more.
Routine Checkups
Dental hygiene is extremely important for anyone, but even more so for senior citizens. It’s vital that senior citizens come in for routine checkups so that we can monitor their dental health. Sometimes poor dental health can be an indicator that something else is going on inside the body. Gently remind your senior of this and help them set up their next appointment.
