As we age, taking care of our oral health becomes more important than ever. And we often lose the good habits we’ve built over our lives! Unfortunately, poor dental hygiene can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues affecting overall health and well-being. So, to keep you informed, we’ll explore the top 10 dental tips for seniors to keep their smiles healthy and bright.
Keep on reading to get Cedarwood Dental’s expert tips and advice!
Dental Tips For Seniors
Here at Cedarwood Dental, we’ve collected the ten most important tips for seniors to follow. If you can master this quick list of positive habits, you’ll be on your way to a healthy smile in no time!
And if you have any questions or want to book an appointment, don’t hesitate to call us at 905-476-5333.
1. Brush and Floss Regularly
The age-old classic: Can you hear your parents or dentists telling you to do this daily task in your memories? Of course, brushing and flossing are the foundation of good oral hygiene. It’s recommended that seniors brush twice a day and floss at least once a day. Brushing and flossing can prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath. When brushing, make sure to brush all surfaces of your teeth and use a toothbrush with soft bristles. When flossing, use a gentle back-and-forth motion to clean between teeth.
2. Use Fluoride Toothpaste
Another common tip you’re probably familiar with: fluoride is a mineral that helps to strengthen teeth and prevent tooth decay. Using fluoride toothpaste can help to protect your teeth from decay. As such, you really should be using this in your toothpaste or mouthwash! For best results, use these products twice a day!
3. Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Regular dental check-ups are essential for maintaining good oral health. There are some things a professional and their specialized tools can do that can’t be replicated at home! Your dentist can check for signs of decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues. It’s recommended to visit your dentist at least twice a year. Some people require more appointments, and others might be able to get away with fewer. If you have any issues or concerns, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with us today.
4. Maintain a Healthy Diet
Eating a healthy diet can help to prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues. Foods high in sugar and starch can increase the risk of tooth decay. Instead, focus on eating a diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Foods high in crunchy fibre actually help manually clean your teeth as you chew!
If you’re looking for more information and tips on dental care, check out our article on how to overcome dental anxiety to improve your oral health quality!
5. Avoid Smoking and Excessive Alcohol Consumption
Of course, stopping smoking has many benefits for your health. You probably already know smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can damage oral health. Smoking can cause bad breath, stain your teeth, and increase the risk of gum disease and oral cancer. Reducing or quitting smoking can help to improve overall oral health. Excessive alcohol consumption can also increase the risk of oral cancer and damage your teeth and gums. For the best possible oral health, it’s recommended to drink alcohol in moderation or avoid it altogether.
6. Keep Dentures Clean
Although not all seniors use dentures, it’s important to care for any dental implants you may have. If you wear dentures, it’s critical that you keep them clean to prevent gum disease and other oral health issues. It’s best to remove your dentures and clean them daily with a denture cleaner or mild soap and water. It’s also important to brush your gums, tongue, and the roof of your mouth to remove bacteria and prevent infection. After all, you wouldn’t build a house on a poor foundation, right? So you shouldn’t rest your dentures on unhealthy gums!
7. Use Mouthwash
This is another obvious tip, but it’s especially useful for seniors with difficulty brushing their teeth. Using mouthwash can help to freshen your breath and prevent gum disease. It’s recommended to use an alcohol-free mouthwash twice a day. Make sure to swish the mouthwash around in your mouth for at least 30 seconds before spitting it out.
8. Address Dry Mouth
Whether it’s due to genetics, medication, or some other factor, dry mouth is a serious dental issue. There are many surprising consequences of a routinely dry mouth. For example, a dry mouth can increase the risk of tooth decay and even oral cancer. If you experience dry mouth, talk to your dentist about ways to address it. Aside from dental solutions, drinking water, chewing sugar-free gum, and using a humidifier can all help to alleviate dry mouth symptoms.
9. Protect Your Teeth and Gums
Protecting your teeth and gums can prevent dental injuries and other health issues. If you’re physically active, wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth and gums from injury. If you grind your teeth at night, you can discuss your options with us about a mouthguard to prevent damage to your teeth.
Don’t hesitate to call us here. We’re more than thrilled to answer your questions!
10. Manage Stress Levels
As seniors age, they may experience increased stress and anxiety. Stress and anxiety can lead to teeth grinding, which can wear down teeth and cause jaw pain. Additionally, stress can weaken the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off infections like gum disease. To manage stress and anxiety, seniors can try relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation and exercise regularly. You can always talk to a healthcare professional about options like therapy or medication.
Most importantly, by managing stress levels, seniors can keep their mouths healthy and prevent oral health issues from developing. After all, prevention is the best medicine!
Visit Cedarwood Dental For The Best Dental Tips for Seniors
By following these top 10 dental tips for seniors, you can help to maintain good oral health and prevent oral health issues. So, what are you waiting for? Book your appointment with Cedarwood Dental to discuss your oral health and ensure you’re on the right track to a healthy smile.