Dental Care Advice for Seniors
As we get older, we’re naturally going to experience some changes in our oral health. That’s why it’s important to visit your dentist in Sparks at least twice a year. After all, gum disease and cavities become more common as we age. Even if you take really good care of your teeth, you can still experience some wear and tear and other problems. Follow these dental care tips for seniors to reduce the risk of oral health complications.
Brushing & Flossing Habits May Change
To keep your teeth and gums healthy, it’s critical that you clean your mouth regularly with proper oral hygiene products like floss or a toothbrush. However, sometimes brushing and flossing becomes more difficult as we age, especially if we no longer have the dexterity in our hands that we used to. It’s important to find the right tools for your specific needs so that you can thoroughly brush and floss properly. Brushing and flossing are crucial, especially in seniors, to reduce the risk of gum disease, which affects nearly half of all adults over the age of 65 and can contribute to other health complications such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
Dry Mouth is a Real Concern
Dry mouth is a common side effect of certain medications that affect saliva production, such as antihistamines, antidepressants, and diuretics. Dry mouth can also happen due to age-related changes in your salivary glands and related issues. While this problem can certainly be uncomfortable, it can also cause serious problems. Dry mouth can cause decay, gum disease, and bad breath. Be sure to speak with your dentist in Sparks about what steps you can take at home to relieve dry mouth issues. Most dentists will recommend:
- Drinking plenty of water
- Chewing sugarless gum to stimulate saliva
- Limiting caffeine and alcohol as they can increase drying
- Trying a mouthwash specifically for dry mouth
Dental Visits Are Even More Important
As we age, we are more susceptible to tooth decay and oral infection. We also know that seniors can also have a harder time keeping their mouths clean. This can lead to tooth loss, gum disease, and other oral health problems. This makes it extra important that you see your dentist in Sparks at least twice a year. In fact, some older adults that are at increased risk for dental problems may want to visit their dentist more than two times per year.
Losing Teeth Isn’t a Guarantee
When many people think about how getting older may affect their oral health, they automatically think about tooth loss. The truth is, you don’t have to lose your teeth. The best ways to prevent tooth loss as you age is to take excellent care of your oral health, eat healthily, drink plenty of water, avoid smoking, and see your dentist regularly. However, if you do lose a tooth or two, we always recommend replacing it with a dental bridge, dental implants, or dentures. Without a full set of teeth, your oral health and overall health can suffer.
At every age, it’s important to take care of your teeth. But as we grow older, that care may change. Make sure you adapt your oral health care routine to protect your teeth long into your golden years.
< Back to BlogRecent Posts
Archives
- November 2024
- October 2024
- September 2024
- August 2024
- July 2024
- June 2024
- May 2024
- April 2024
- March 2024
- February 2024
- January 2024
- December 2023
- November 2023
- October 2023
- September 2023
- August 2023
- July 2023
- June 2023
- May 2023
- April 2023
- March 2023
- February 2023
- January 2023
- December 2022
- November 2022
- October 2022
- September 2022
- August 2022
- July 2022
- June 2022
- May 2022
- April 2022
- March 2022
- February 2022
- January 2022
- December 2021
- November 2021
- October 2021
- September 2021
- August 2021
- July 2021
- June 2021
- May 2021
- April 2021
- March 2021
- February 2021
- January 2021
- December 2020
- November 2020
- October 2020
- September 2020
- August 2020
- July 2020
- June 2020
- May 2020
- April 2020
- March 2020
- February 2020
- January 2020
- December 2019
- November 2019
- October 2019
- September 2019
- August 2019
- July 2019
- June 2019
- May 2019
- April 2019
- March 2019
- February 2019
- January 2019
- December 2018
- November 2018
- October 2018
- September 2018
- August 2018
- July 2018
- June 2018
- May 2018
- April 2018
- March 2018
- February 2018
- January 2018
- December 2017
- November 2017
- October 2017
- September 2017
- August 2017
- July 2017
- June 2017
- May 2017
- April 2017
- March 2017
- February 2017
- January 2017
- December 2016