It’s a well-known fact that as you age the risk for health problems increase. What’s more, many people don’t realize that this is also true for dental health. As you get older, the everyday wear and tear from all that chewing, grinding and biting begins to wear away the hard, outer layer of your teeth known as enamel. In also causes the parts of your teeth you use to bite and chew to wear down and flatten. Unfortunately, you can’t erase a lifetime of wear and tear or neglect without having your teeth restored by a dentist, but there are some tips you can follow to help keep it from getting worse. Before we take a look at dental care tips for seniors, it’s important to understand that age in and of itself is not a primary or sole factor in determining dental health. However, It’s not uncommon for seniors to suffer from other medical conditions, such as arthritis in the hands and fingers, which make taking care of their teeth very difficult or painful. It’s very important for those suffering from these conditions to visit the dentist on a regular basis in order to maintain a proper level of oral hygiene. If a correct dental care regimen is not followed, it can lead to more serious problems such as darkened teeth, dry mouth, diminished sense of taste, root decay and a plethora of other dental care problems. Although it’s essential for everyone to practice a good dental care regimen, it’s especially important for adults over the age of 60. Plaque tends to build up very quickly on the teeth of seniors and if oral hygiene is neglected is can lead to the dental care problems we discussed earlier. Dental Care Tips
- Brush at least twice a day with a toothpaste that contains fluoride and is approved by ADA (American Dental Association).
- Floss at least once a day.
- Rinse with antiseptic mouthwash once or twice a day.
- Make regular visits to your dentist for cleanings and oral exams (aim for every 6 months).
Today, due to increased levels of dental care access and education, senior citizens are keeping their natural teeth longer than ever before. By following the tips outlined above, you can help ensure that you do too. If you’re a senior citizen in need of dental care in the Bellevue, WA area, contact Smiles of Bellevue and Eastside Smiles today. We provide exceptional, quality dental care for the entire family.
