Senior oral care is always important no matter your age. Although, extra care naturally needs to be taken when you enter the seniors’ age. As you get older and enter the senior years, your bones, and gums gradually become weaker, and your teeth become worn out. This isn’t the fault of your own, but this is simply just part of ageing.
As a senior, you were probably more worried about losing your teeth in the past compared to today. This is because modern dentistry has become so advanced that there are many treatments available for you as a senior to preserve your smile and smiling confidence.
It’s more accurate for seniors to consider restorative dentistry treatments such as dental implants or regularly visit the dentist for a check-up and clean. Although, treatments during senior years have a key dependency on how strong your oral health is generally. As a senior, of course, you’d prefer that your natural teeth stay healthy for as long as possible. Unfortunately, there are times when this may not happen.
Therefore, your senior oral care needs should be taken care of a bit more diligently. Follow the below tips as part of your senior oral care routine to ensure that your natural teeth remain in place for as long as possible.
Replace Your Toothbrush Regularly
Whilst brushing and flossing regularly is always important every single day, what is equally important you as a senior is to regularly replace your toothbrush and when the bristles become stiff, your teeth may become sensitive to it, increasing the risk of periodontal disease. Therefore, ensure you regularly replace your toothbrush.
Beware of Dry Mouth
Dry mouth is more common for seniors. This is because of medication or adverse conditions that can increase the risk of dry mouth developing. If you’re taking certain medications, contact your dentist for advice on how to avoid dry mouth.
Stay Hydrated
To keep your mouth clean, regularly drink water every day. If you’re taking medication causing dry mouth, then drinking water is all the more important. Your saliva production should be continuous. You should also consider eating sugar-free chewing gum to prevent the mouth from drying out.
Regular Dental Check-Ups
As a senior, ensure you visit the dentist regularly. You’re likely to need to go regularly compared to adolescents. As your mouth changes, you may begin to experience sensitivity, loose teeth and difficulties with mouth functioning. This is quite natural during ageing. The dentist will check for any signs of adverse conditions that may impact your oral health, and recommend oral advice for you to keep your teeth as strong as possible.
Stay Away From Tobacco
Tobacco will damage your teeth at a rapid rate if regularly consumed through cigarettes. Seniors are more likely to suffer from cancers in the mouth and throat if they’re smoking at a seniors’ age. You’re also likely to experience tooth decay and gum disease faster too.
As a senior, do not be alarmed by these tips. It is perfectly natural for your oral health to degrade as you get older. Following these senior oral care tips will ensure extra care for your oral health so you can show off your senior smile for longer. As a senior, you may find it more difficult to manage your oral health by yourself. That is where our experienced Pennant Hills dentists come in. We will ensure we take extra care of your oral health so your appearance continues to remain strong as you age.
Are you seeking senior oral care advice? You can contact us simply by clicking here. Alternatively, if you feel it is easier to contact us via telephone on (02) 9484 1913.