Seniors who follow these tips can retain their beautiful smiles!
As adults, we’ll never reach an age where dental care won’t be important. In fact, it becomes more important as we age. Adults over the age of 65 are considered senior citizens and oral health care for this population is a matter of keeping up with good habits and regular trips to the dentist. Here’s how seniors can do their part to maintain great dental care.
Dental Issues
There are a few dental issues that seniors should be on the lookout for:
- The first is tooth decay, which comes from years of wear and tear.
- Darkened teeth are often the result of years of drinking dark beverages and smoking.
- Dry mouth is often accompanied by bad breath.
- Losing one or more teeth can be a result of dental trauma or gum disease.
- Bleeding or inflamed gums often caused by gum disease.
Dental Care Tips for Seniors
There are some habits that you should maintain on a regular basis to keep your teeth in the best condition as possible:
- Seniors should still be flossing their teeth every day to remove any leftover food particles and bacteria that get trapped.
- For seniors that wear dentures, be sure to keep them clean and stored in a hygienic container. Bacteria from your dentures will contact your gums and could lead to gum disease. If you’ve opted for popular dental implants, you should treat them like your own teeth with regular, daily care.
- Avoid dry mouth by staying hydrated throughout the day. Many seniors use the bathroom more as they age, which could lead to senior drinking less fluids throughout the day. However, staying adequately hydrated is important for your overall health as well as dental health.
- For seniors missing one or more teeth, discuss dental implants with your dentist. This process not only increases self-confidence but also increases your comfort when eating.
- Drink less soda and use less tobacco products to better maintain the health of your teeth and gums. Over the years, these substances wear down the enamel of your teeth.
Oral Care from Catonsville Dental Care
Whether you want to whiten your teeth, straighten your teeth or have a wisdom tooth extracted Catonsville Dental Care offers a wide variety of services when it comes to oral health. We have the experience and understanding to diagnose and treat any problem you have as quickly and painlessly as possible. With four dentists available at our office and commitment to comfort, safety and relaxation you can’t find a better provider for your health. We look forward to helping you keep your smile perfect all year long and talking with you about your needs. To schedule an appointment or consultation, visit us online or give us a call at 410-747-1115. For more tips and tricks follow us on Facebook, Flickr, Twitter, Google+ and YouTube.