Providing excellent dental care is a vital component for optimum health, and for this reason, keeping seniors teeth clean and healthy is a necessity. Growing old does not mean that your teeth should automatically fall out!
Dental care involves not only taking care of your teeth but also your gums and other areas inside your mouth. Any place inside your mouth where bacteria can thrive, will eventually affect your teeth.
7 Ways for Seniors to Keep Their Teeth Clean and Healthy
Here are seven handy tips to help you keep your teeth strong and healthy.
* Brush Your Teeth After Each Meal – When you eat, food is going to get trapped between teeth and stuck to the surface of your teeth. One of the quickest and easiest ways to take care of your teeth is to brush them regularly, especially after you have eaten. You should also make sure you replace your toothbrush every couple of months.
* Prevent Gum Disease – Gum disease is a periodontal illness. In addition to infecting the roots of your teeth and causing them to loosen up and fall out, gum disease is also responsible for more severe conditions, such as heart-related problems and even stroke. Lung disease and diabetes can also appear as a result of gum disease and the infection that it causes in the body.
* Use Mouthwash – Mouthwash can be an easy and effective way of fighting against cavities and helps to prevent periodontal diseases. It also helps reduce the levels of bacteria and plaque in your mouth. Using mouthwash also helps keep your breath smelling fresh.
* Don’t Forget to Use Dental Floss – Most seniors know the importance of using dental floss, and how it prevents damage to their teeth by removing food and debris from between the teeth. Flossing also helps to stop bacteria from building on the teeth. The problem is that some seniors feel bothered by the procedure of getting out the floss, wrapping it around their fingers, and performing a proper cleaning routine. There are now small devices that hold the floss and make cleaning much easier for seniors.
* Avoid Excessive Energy Drinks and Sports Drinks – If you are using energy drinks and sports drinks every day, there is a possibility that you are destroying your teeth much faster than you might have imagined. These types of drinks contain substances that can ruin the enamel of the teeth if they are used too often. So, do yourself a favor and cut back on these drinks.
* Healthy Eating Habits – You are what you eat, and healthy teeth depend on healthy foods, too. Try eating raw vegetables, food that is highly rich in minerals and vitamins, and cut out all of the sugary drinks. Sweet and sticky food gets caught between your teeth and can lead to plaque and cavities.
* See Your Dentist Regularly – Schedule visits with your dentist every six months, or at least once a year. By getting your teeth examined early, you can have damaged teeth repaired quickly and prevent them from decaying and falling out. Dentists are the best way to save your teeth and get vital information on how to better care for your teeth.
Keeping Seniors Teeth Clean and Healthy – Conclusion
Dental care is all about saving seniors teeth, protecting your smile, and keeping your body healthy. Make sure you follow it and always schedule regular visits with your dentist.
My dad is having some dental issues lately and he needs help. I think it’s a great idea for him to brush after each meal. That way he can’t have a bunch of plaque and food build up on his teeth.