An Overview Of How Seniors Can Practice Good Oral Care Habits
Good dental hygiene and oral
care habits are important at any age, but as we get older dental hygiene
becomes even more critical as there are many problems that become more pressing
in older adults, such as older adults are more likely to experience trouble
with lost teeth, denture care, discoloration, and periodontal disease (infections of the structures
around the teeth, including the gums, periodontal ligament and alveolar bone).
Sometimes elderly persons can overlook oral hygiene due to a lack of affordable
insurance, mobility issues, etc. or practicing good oral care habits isn’t as
easy as it once was due to arthritis and other conditions that make it harder
to brush and floss the way one should. People often use these reasons as an
excuse to let their oral hygiene fall to the wayside, which can lead to some
potentially serious health problems besides oral health issues (such as heart
disease- the bad oral bacteria can get into the bloodstream and make their way
to your ticker and surrounding areas). Moreover, periodontal disease has also
been linked with risk factors for chronic degenerative diseases like ulcerative
colitis and lupus.
Dry mouth, darkened teeth, attrition,
root decay, diminished sense of taste, tooth loss, gum disease, uneven jawbone,
cavities, denture-induced stomatitis, sensitive teeth- are some oral health
problems that advancing age puts many seniors at risk for. Just because
individuals are more susceptible to oral health problems with age doesn’t mean
you have to experience them. Practicing good oral hygiene will preserve your
teeth longer and also keep other diseases at bay. Here are some tips your senior
loved one can practice good oral hygiene:
Follow A Healthy Diet- Diet has
a huge impact on an individual’s oral hygiene. Your loved one should follow a
healthy diet comprising vegetables and fresh fruits to keep his or her teeth
and gums in great shape. Fluoride isn’t just necessary for young children — it can also be part
of good oral hygiene for seniors, so make sure they regularly drink tap water
because it usually has fluoride in it that will flush toxins out of the mouth
and also keep your loved one hydrated.
Brush- The American Dental
Association recommends brushing your teeth twice a day with a fluoride
toothpaste, and flossing with either dental floss or another inter-dental
cleaner. It is as important to brush 30 to 60 minutes after each meal to minimize
the amount of bacteria in the mouth and prevent dental issues. Opt for an
electric toothbrush which can make it easier for your elderly loved one to
brush his or her teeth as it requires less hand strength and control when
brushing, but
if you prefer to stick with a manual toothbrush make sure
you replace your toothbrush every three
to four months, or sooner if the bristles are irregular or frayed.
Visit The Dentist- It’s
important to seek out regular oral healthcare. Besides practicing good oral hygiene,
healthful eating, etc. you should aim to visit your dentist every six months
who’ll conduct a thorough history and dental exam. Dentists work towards
preventing future problems, as well as address existing problems in a way that
keeps issues from getting worse, and maybe even get rid of issues altogether.
Other tips:
1.
Avoid
tobacco
2.
Use an
Antibacterial Mouthwash
3.
Watch out
for dry mouth
4.
Increase
oral hydration (if you’re struggling with dry mouth)
5.
Rinse with
salt water (to increase the pH balance in the mouth)
6.
Monitor
your sugar intake
7.
Care for
your dentures
8.
Get your
recommended calcium
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