Regardless of your age, maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial. The better your dental hygiene practices, the more likely you are to avoid certain dental issues, such as cavities, gum disease and tooth loss. In addition, your oral health is directly linked to other health concerns as well, including the risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes and Alzheimer’s. Regular trips to your Brisbane dentist are crucial to your oral health because early detection and treatment of dental issues can help you maintain a healthy smile. So, do you want to know how to age gracefully with proper dental care? If so, keep reading to learn more.
Proper Dental Care as You Age
If you are interested in maintaining your oral health as you age, follow these steps to help you keep a beautiful smile for a lifetime:
1. Get regular dental check-ups – Seniors must receive routine dental check-ups every six months to detect any potential dental concerns before they become a problem and to allow our dental team to provide professional dental cleanings. Only your dentist can remove the plaque and tartar that accumulates on your teeth over time.
2. Brush and floss daily – As you age, you must maintain a strict brushing and flossing regimen to keep your teeth and gums as healthy as possible. Brush your teeth twice a day, and floss at least once a day for best results. Also, don’t forget to brush your tongue to remove as much bacteria from your mouth as you can.
3. Consider an electric toothbrush – You can enhance your oral hygiene routine by using an electric toothbrush. An electric toothbrush can help you achieve a more thorough cleaning by reaching stubborn areas in your mouth that might be difficult to reach with a regular toothbrush.
4. Use floss picks or interdental brushes – The importance of flossing for seniors cannot be stressed enough. If you have difficulty using traditional dental floss, there are alternatives that can help. Floss picks or interdental brushes can allow you to reach those stubborn areas between your teeth.
5. Sip water throughout the day – It’s a known fact that we produce less saliva as we age, which can put you at a higher risk for cavities and gum disease, not to mention the discomfort that comes from having a dry mouth. To combat these issues, you can sip water throughout the day to keep your mouth hydrated and help promote good oral health.
6. Eat a balanced diet – Seniors should focus on a well-balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. To promote strong teeth and bones, you should also try to get as much vitamin D and calcium as possible and limit sugary foods and acidic beverages.
7. Care for your dentures – If you wear dentures, you need to be sure to care for them properly as well. Be sure to clean your dentures every day and visit your dentist regularly to make sure your dentures fit properly. A proper fit can help you avoid gum irritation or sores.
8. Avoid tobacco and alcohol – As you age, it’s more important than ever to stop smoking and reduce or quit alcohol consumption. Smoking can lead to gum disease, tooth loss and oral cancer, and alcohol has been known to cause a dry mouth.
9. Wear a mouthguard – It’s great to remain active as you age, but if you play sports or engage in other activities that put you at risk for dental injuries or falling, you should talk to your Brisbane dentist about a protective mouthguard. A mouthguard can help keep your smile intact if there’s an accident.
10. Manage your medications – If you are a senior citizen who takes several different medications, you might check to see if any of them can cause side effects that can negatively affect your oral health. Some medications can cause dry mouth or gum issues, so ask your doctor for an alternative medication.
11. Overcome dental anxiety – If you’ve had negative dental experiences in the past, you may suffer from dental anxiety and avoid visiting the dentist altogether. If that’s the case, talk to our dental team about ways to overcome your stress and anxiety associated with going to the dentist.
12. Pay attention to changes – As you age, you need to be aware of any changes in your oral health, such as receding gums and tooth sensitivity. Being proactive and talking to your dentist about potential issues can help you to maintain your oral health.
Are You Looking for Dental Care in Brisbane, QLD?
If you want to maintain proper oral health as you age, Edward St Dental wants to help. Our goal is to partner with you on your dental journey and help you embrace getting older. Maintaining your oral health will allow you to enjoy your senior years and celebrate your age. If you want us to help you with regular checkups and other dental services, call us on (07) 3221 5855 to arrange an appointment.
We look forward to seeing you.
