Learn about a few important oral care tips for senior citizens.
Everyone needs to take care of their mouth. From the teeth and gums to the tongue and even the rest of your body, oral care is important. Senior citizens in particular need to focus on their oral care, especially if they have dentures or other dental work done.
How Needs Change
Teeth and gums can wear down over the years just by how much they are used. Your teeth and jaws are fully developed, and it’s entirely possible that tooth decay and cavities can lead to gum disease and other problems that come out of it. Different medications can also affect how healthy your mouth is.
Common Concerns
Diabetes can affect how your oral health changes and what oral care routines you need to follow. Heart disease, cancer, and even lingering injuries from your younger years could lead to discolored teeth, broken teeth, or loose teeth. What are some of the things you should be worried about?
- Gum disease due to plaque
- Dry mouth
- Effects from food and drink, plus habits, and not taking care of your teeth
- Your sense of taste can change
- The roots of your teeth can decay
- Your bite can change
- Fungal infections can also affect you
Helpful Tips
Brush your teeth every day for at least two minutes. Reach all of your teeth and even the gums. Make sure to take the time to brush your tongue. When you’re done, it’s time to floss. The floss can reach parts of your mouth that your toothbrush can’t. Try using a different mouthwash than you did before, and see if it makes a difference.
Quit using tobacco. Even if you don’t smoke anymore, other types of tobacco can still affect your oral health. Start drinking more water, especially if you have dry mouth. If you have diabetes or a heart condition, do what you can to manage them.
You need to increase your nutrient intake. This means eating more fruits and vegetables. Take more supplements if you need to, too. Calcium, phosphorus, and Vitamin D all help. Vitamin A also helps you feel better. One more thing – don’t put off your latest dentist appointment. If there are any problems, you need to let your dentist know as soon as you can. By dealing with dry mouth now, you can save yourself from oral health problems later.
You Can Trust Olney Dental for All of Your Dental Care Needs
For all of your oral care questions and concerns, Olney Dental has the expertise and professionalism to get them the answers they need. Olney Dental is ready to supply you with expert service in a professional environment. Schedule an appointment online today! For more information on how we can give your family the best dentist experience available, give us a call at (301) 250-1057 or contact us online. For more dental tips, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Pinterest.