Seniors are at high risk of oral issues. As people age, they experience changes in their mouths, which makes them susceptible to diseases. For instance, the enamel wears down, making the seniors susceptible to decay and tooth loss. Do you know that you can preserve older adults' teeth and prevent dental issues by taking good care of their oral health? Here are 3 oral care tips for older adults:
Clean Their Teeth Regularly
Certain health issues, such as arthritis in the hands, can make teeth cleaning difficult. However, this doesn't mean seniors should live with dirty mouths. Seniors who neglect teeth cleaning will likely face oral issues such as tooth decay and gum disease. These problems can eventually lead to tooth loss and gum recession. For this reason, it is good to create a well-established teeth-cleaning routine for seniors.
This may involve brushing twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste. Be sure to floss their teeth at least once daily to remove particles between the teeth. You can also consider an electric toothbrush to clean all corners of the mouth. Whether you use a manual or electric toothbrush, remember to replace it every 3-4 months.
Schedule Regular Dental Visits
Scheduling regular dental appointments is the best thing you can do for your senior's oral health. The main goal of dental appointments is to examine the mouth and spot any issue before it worsens. The professional also cleans the teeth to remove plaque and tartar.
Pay Attention to Their Diet
Certain foods can harm oral health, while others help to keep the gums and teeth healthy. For instance, items high in sugar can lead to cavities, gum disease, and decay. In addition, acidic foods can damage the enamel, leading to cavities.
In this case, a healthy diet should be a priority. This may involve foods rich in calcium and vitamins. Remember to increase their water intake to prevent a dry mouth. Get in touch with our dental team for more information about dental health for older adults.
Dentist Tigard, OR | Dental Blog - Lincoln Center Smiles Dr. Saklofsky has created an educational blog as a resource for our patients. If you like an article or the dental blog in general please share it to social media, then call (971) 317-9499 to make an appointment. Lincoln Center Smiles, 10500 SW Greenburg Rd, Suite 3, Portland, OR 97223-1406 / (503) 598-0898 / sakdental.com / 9/29/2024 / Key Phrases: dentist Tigard OR /
Seniors are at high risk of oral issues. As people age, they experience changes in their mouths, which makes them susceptible to diseases. For instance, the enamel wears down, making the seniors susceptible to decay and tooth loss. Do you know that you can preserve older adults' teeth and prevent dental issues by taking good care of their oral health? Here are 3 oral care tips for older adults: