Brush Up on Your Dental Care: Five Tips to Boost Your Oral Health
Dental care is important at all stages of life, especially in older adulthood. Older adults are more likely to experience problems with their dental health due to advanced age. Loss of teeth, tooth decay, periodontal disease, discoloration, and dry mouth are just some of the oral health concerns dentists worry about in older patients. These conditions can result in extensive tooth decay and gum disease if left untreated. As these conditions worsen over time, older adults are at risk of needing dentures or dental implants.
Poor dental care has also been linked to heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Although research is still examining this correlation, it can’t hurt for older adults to improve their dental hygiene. If you’re a senior who needs to brush up on your dental care, here are five tips to boost your oral health.
Remember to Brush Twice Daily
The American Dental Association recommends that everyone brush their teeth twice a day, including older adults. They also recommend using a fluoride toothpaste, as tooth decay can develop at any age. Brush for two minutes, spending 30 seconds on each quadrant of your mouth. There’s no need to scrub your teeth. Brush using a gentle massaging motion. Older adults should consider switching to an electric toothbrush which offers more cleaning power than a manual one.
Floss Once a Day
In addition to brushing twice a day, the American Dental Association recommends adults floss at least once a day. Flossing helps remove food and plaque found between teeth, a place that is almost impossible to reach with a toothbrush alone. If traditional floss is difficult for you to maneuver in between your teeth, try dental floss picks. Talk with your dentist about using a water flosser, which can be much easier for older adults with limited dexterity.
Evaluate Your Toothbrush
When was the last time you replaced your toothbrush? If it’s been longer than three to four months, it’s time for a new one. Another indicator that your toothbrush needs replaced is looking at the bristles. Frayed or matted bristles mean it’s time to open a new toothbrush. Speaking of bristles, the best choice for older adults is a soft-bristled toothbrush. Medium and hard-bristled toothbrushes can damage the gums, root surface, and protective tooth enamel, especially if you vigorously brush your teeth.
Drink More Water
One of the lesser-known dental care tips is to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Many older adults suffer from dry mouth. This condition is often a side effect of certain medications but can also happen at an advanced age. Dry mouth is uncomfortable and can cause tooth decay. Salvia helps neutralize acids produced by bacteria. When you don’t produce enough salvia, those acids stick around and lead to enamel erosion. Ward off dry mouth by staying hydrated. Drink water with each meal and sip on water throughout the day to moisten your mouth.
Visit the Dentist Regularly
Routine dental appointments and cleanings can help prevent a variety of dental problems. The American Dental Association recommends regular dental visits at intervals determined by your dentist. For most, this means every six months. Others may need to see the dentist more frequently, based on their current oral health status and health history. Unfortunately, many older adults neglect to visit the dentist as frequently as they should because Medicare does not cover routine dental care. However, out-of-pocket costs are significantly less than paying for extensive dental procedures due to neglected routine dental appointments. If costs are prohibiting you from seeing your dentist, ask what they can do to help lower the cost.
Visiting Angels Richmond is here to help seniors who need assistance with their dental care routine. Our compassionate caregivers can provide you with dental care tips and remind you to brush and floss during their visit. They can also help remove barriers that prevent you from getting to your dentist. Our caregivers can escort you to your appointment, ensuring you arrive safely and on time. This is just one way we help seniors in the local community. To learn more about our comprehensive approach to senior home care that goes above and beyond other home care companies, please get in touch with us today by calling 804-353-0000.