Old age comes with a lot of problems. From diabetes to chronic pains, it is certainly a rough patch in one’s lifetime. It is a stage where even minor problems become major. While senior citizens must look after their health, one of the most important things to consider is dental care. With time the health of teeth deteriorates and therefore, teeth must be well-maintained.
Furthermore, at this stage, the reproduction of teeth stops and an artificial implant is the only solution. So while we have the chance, we should always put dental care amongst our top priorities. For seniors, there are certain tips that we would like to share to help them prevent tooth decay, weakening of gums, and other related problems.
Make dental care a habit
Since our birth, we have been told to brush and floss our teeth twice a day. While it may seem an exaggeration to some but it holds significant value. Breakfast happens to be the most important meal of the day. Once you have consumed breakfast, it would be a while until lunch is served. Therefore, it is recommended that teeth should be brushed and flossed meanwhile to protect and remove remaining food particles.
The second time you should be brushing is after dinner, before bedtime. The same principle applies here as well. Since you will be at rest for around 8 hours, your teeth should be free from particles that could weaken your teeth and gums. Dentists recommend that proper brushing and flossing should take around 2 minutes. It might seem forever for some but there is another side to it. The problem does not lie in the duration, instead, the way teeth are brushed. While brushing, make sure that you do not apply too much pressure to cause abrasion of the enamel.
Keep a check on your toothbrush
As much important as it is to keep your teeth healthy, keeping a check on your toothbrush’s health is equally important. Toothbrushes come in different varieties. While some people tend to use a hard toothbrush, others use a soft toothbrush. Furthermore, depending on the health of teeth, dentists may sometimes recommend using a hard toothbrush. Regardless, you should always evaluate the condition of your toothbrush and change it when its due.
Using a toothbrush with worn-out bristles will negatively affect both your teeth and gums.
Additionally, if you are not sure about the type of toothbrush you should be using, consult a dentist. Dentists normally recommend that a toothbrush should be replaced after three to four months of usage. If the bristles become frayed or irregular sooner, change it then. Keep in mind that your teeth should not contain any particles after brushing. If there are, it is a clear sign that you need a replacement.
Floss
Flossing and brushing go hand in hand. Dentists recommend that you floss daily. Furthermore, it is suggested that standard flossing is the best way to get rid of particles stuck between your teeth. People may use a waterpik or oral pulsating irrigator but that is not the best way to floss your teeth. However, it is a reasonable alternative if flossing is not possible. Flossing your teeth not only helps remove remaining particles but also adds a layer of protection over your teeth. You can purchase flossing products offered by prominent brands such as Colgate to make sure that your teeth are always debris free.
Avoid Tobacco
Smoking is another factor that significantly affecting teeth health. Smokers tend to have twice the risk of gum diseases as compared to those who do not smoke. Not only is smoking harmful to teeth and gums but it also weakens your immune system and lungs. As a result, the immune system has to fight harder with gum infections.
Those who smoke regularly may develop teeth related diseases that might not be possible to treat. Therefore, the use of tobacco in any form, be it cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, pipes, and dip, etc. might result in serious dental diseases.
Watch out for dry mouth
Although dry mouth could also show presence in young people it is mostly found in elderly people. It is a condition in which the salivary glands do not produce enough saliva to keep the mouth wet. Moreover, it persists in people who have undergone certain medications or therapy for cancer. Saliva helps to decay of teeth by washing away the remaining food particles, neutralizing the acids produced by bacteria, and limiting the growth of bacteria as well. Therefore, if you are experiencing dry mouth, talk to your doctor, and try laying off the booze if that helps.
Schedule checkups
Every once and while you should book an appointment with your dentist for regular checkups, particularly if you are senior. Even though people of young age should do the same but it is often left ignored. Regular checkups help the dentist identify any potential disease or problem that may cause pain and discomfort in the future. Before it is too late, the dentist is able to treat the problem and you get to walk away trouble-free. In some cases, you might not feel anything but upon detailed inspection, a dentist could come across a potentially harmful problem.
Avoid sugar products
A lot of food items that we consume consist of artificial flavors and added sugars. This alone is a lethal combination when it comes to teeth health. Chocolates and carbonated drinks for instance are primary sources of such ingredients. Sugar is known to be the enemy of teeth and therefore, one should avoid sugary products as much as possible. If the cravings get a hold of you every time, try munching food products that are organic and do not contain added sugars.
Avoid Alcohol
Alcohol is not only bad for teeth but significantly harmful to both your body and overall health. Drinks that happen to contain alcohol affect the body in various ways. First, it affects the liver and kidney and even the blood. Alcohol is known to dissolve anything put in its path. Therefore, one could imagine the effects. One of the most important things to consider in order to maintain healthy teeth is giving up alcohol. There is no advantage, only poor health conditions in the longer run.
Stay Healthy
Staying healthy is directly related to your teeth health. When we talk about staying healthy, we mean developing a healthy lifestyle. As you grow older, the bones, immune system, heart, and the overall structure of the body tend to weaken. Hence, you must consume fruits and foods that provide significant nutritional value. For example, milk is known to contain Calcium, which is required by teeth to remain strong. Similarly, fruits like carrots, oranges, and apple can help clean your teeth and increase salivation as well. Therefore, consuming organic food products will not only help prevent dental diseases but improve your life altogether.
Final Word
This article aimed to spread awareness about dental health and care. Since seniors are at more risk due to their age, it is only important that they are conveyed the basics of maintaining teeth. At this stage, undergoing painful procedures should never be an option. Therefore, consider the oral hygiene tips mentioned above and follow them religiously to make sure that your teeth remain forever healthy.