As any dentist will tell you, good oral hygiene is important for people of all ages. For people in their twilight years, it’s arguably even more important. That’s because when it comes to your dental health, you’re at a greater risk for a number of issues as you reach advanced age. Luckily, your dentist is here to help you maintain a healthy smile no matter how old you are. Continue reading to learn some helpful dental hygiene tips for seniors!
What Happens to Your Teeth as You Get Older?
Certain oral conditions become more likely to develop as you age. Fortunately, many of these issues are easy to identify or even prevent when you’re proactive about your dental health. Keep an eye out for:
- Dry mouth – While aging itself doesn’t necessarily cause dry mouth, many medications or chronic conditions do. Without enough saliva to rinse bacteria out of your mouth, your risk of tooth decay and infections increases.
- Gum disease – The leading cause of adult tooth loss is gum disease. The sooner you recognize the symptoms (swollen, tender, or bleeding gums), the easier your dentist can treat it.
- Wear and tear – As tooth enamel wears down after decades of chewing and grinding, your risk for cavities rises.
- Sensitivity – Thinner enamel exposes more of the underlying layer of dentin, which contains pathways to the tooth’s nerves. These pathways can become irritated by hot or cold stimuli.
Oral Hygiene Tips for Seniors
Just because seniors have a higher risk for oral health problems doesn’t necessarily mean they’re inevitable. To keep your smile in good shape, make sure to:
- Brush and floss daily – Remember to brush twice a day for two minutes each session and to floss at least once a day.
- Rinse with mouthwash – An antibacterial mouthwash can reduce plaque buildup in parts of your mouth that your toothbrush and floss can’t quite reach.
- Visit your dentist regularly – Even if all of your teeth have been replaced with dentures, getting your gums checked regularly can stop potential health problems in their tracks.
- Avoid tobacco – All forms of tobacco have been linked to oral cancer as well as gum disease and many other serious health issues. Ask your dentist or doctor if you need help quitting.
- Limit your sugar intake – It’s no secret that eating lots of sugar increases your risk of tooth decay.
- Stay hydrated – To combat dry mouth, drink plenty of water throughout the day. Chewing sugar-free gum can also help.
You’re Never Too Old for a Healthy Smile!
No matter your age, a healthy smile always looks great. By keeping up with your oral hygiene at home and seeing your dentist for seniors on a regular basis, you can maintain a pristine set of pearly whites for a lifetime!
About the Practice
At D’Andrea and Pantera, DMD, PC, our team of dentists consists of two father-and-son duos. Dr. Ronald J. D’Andrea, Dr. Kevin B. D’Andrea, Dr. Robert M. Pantera, and Dr. Brett M. Pantera all strive to exceed their patients’ expectations in all of the services they provide. They enjoy helping patients of all ages maintain healthy smiles. If you’re looking for a dentist for seniors in Hamden, CT, contact their practice at 203-288-0951.
