Oral Hygiene for Seniors
As we age, our body slowly starts slowing down in its functions and developing medical conditions like diabetes, arthritis or vision issues. Similarly the years long usage of teeth can also develop issues on their own or it can sometimes be a side effect aggravated by other complications. For example Parkinson’s disease affect motor control which renders brushing hard for seniors with sensitive teeth susceptible to these illnesses
An input is provided about how aging causes physical changes that make oral hygiene more difficult so people should consider ways they might improve dental care at home during old age when there are likely additional challenges involved due to illness/disease processes that may have developed over time already within one’s life span.
What kind of issues would develop?
Tooth decay and gum diseases are more likely to develop in adults due to the variety of foods they eat and drinks they intake. Propelled by a busy work lifestyle, their teeth become dirty over time with bacteria buildup making them vulnerable for tooth damage along with deterioration of gums.
People who are older may experience tooth loss because the gums lose strength and teeth roots become thin. People who wear dentures without proper nutrition can also attribute to their lack of teeth.
People who have chronic diseases such as heart diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)are more likely to develop gum disease if they do not take proper care of their mouth. Some medications can dry out the mouth and prevent saliva from producing, which leads to an increased risk of cavities. Long term usage of drugs or substances in the body could lead to ulcers and worst-case cancers around your oral cavity such as Oral Cancer
In general, as people age their enamel wears down causing various dental issues that may require medical treatment through surgeries.
How to care for teeth when you are older?
Flossing is an important part of your oral hygiene routine. By flossing, you can remove food particles stuck in between the teeth and prevent cavities from forming around them by brushing with a pea-sized amount of toothpaste recommended by your dentist after every meal or at least twice daily – once before bedtime and again following breakfast. Floss regularly to keep bad breath away!
Use an antibacterial mouthwash after eating to prevent the buildup of harmful plaque.
When you are brushing your teeth, be sure to avoid using tobacco products that contribute to the deterioration of tooth enamel. Tobacco usage has been associated with an increased risk for mouth cancers and other chronic conditions like cardiovascular diseases. It is one of the leading causes of oral health problems.
Monitoring sugar intake: Aim to stick to a healthy amount of sugary snacks and drinks each day. If you can, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water after eating or drinking these types of treats in order to wash away any bacteria that may be stuck between teeth and gums.
To keep our teeth healthy, we need to make sure that our diet contains calcium. When you are young, your parents tell you how important it is for strong bones and good dental health; as you get older though the importance of this mineral becomes even more apparent.
A dry mouth can decrease the production of saliva, which is a naturally produced liquid that first fights any harmful bacteria it detects in your mouth and keeps you protected. So drink plenty of water and keep your lips hydrated to maintain an optimal amount of saliva for healthy teeth!
Finally, it is highly recommended to keep up your regular appointments with a dental health provider. As we age, our oral care needs change and may require more attention or other procedures that can’t be done during an annual exam. Don’t wait for the problem to get worse before you go in! Regular checkups help detect any underlying condition early on so you can treat them immediately while they’re still manageable conditions rather than waiting until things become serious problems later down the line. The frequency of visits varies depending on what issues are detected by your dentist at each visit but most people return every 6-12 months unless advised otherwise due to certain concerns like gum disease or tooth decay. You should schedule an appointment today with Dr. Raji Pillai at Hornsby Family Dental Care for professional dental cleaning.