Good dental hygiene throughout life is essential. While we age, we may face new problems in keeping teeth and gums healthy. Good care keeps pain, infection, and teeth loss at bay. Proper dental care also helps promote good overall health, as poor dental hygiene can lead to health problems such as heart disease and diabetic complications. These are some tips on keeping gums healthy and teeth strong during the latter years.
Brush and Floss Daily
Brushing twice a day removes food particles and plaque. Use a fluoride toothpaste and a soft bristle toothbrush. If the toothbrush handle is difficult to grip, a larger handle or an electric toothbrush might be a great alternative. Daily flossing removes particles and prevents gum disease. If daily flossing is hard, use floss picks or an interdental brush.
Visit your Milton Dentist Regularly
Regular dental checkups help find dental problems in the early stages. Dentists check for cavities, gum disease, and symptoms of cancer in the mouth. Your dentist will also clean your teeth to remove buildup of plaque. Regular dental appointments even for patients that use dentures helps ensure a proper fit and can help your dentist identify any infections or sores.
Keep Gums Healthy
Periodontal disease, or gum disease, affects many older adults with bleeding, red, or inflamed gums being the main symptoms. If it isn’t treated or neglected, tooth loss can occur. Brushing, flossing, and seeing a dentist regularly can help prevent gum disease. If your gums are tender or bleeding easily, consult your dentist for evaluation.
Stay Hydrated
Older adults frequently experience dry mouth, most likely due to medications. Saliva helps protect teeth by washing away food and bacteria. Drink water and limit caffeine and alcohol, which can make dry mouth even worse. Sugar-free gum or lozenges may stimulate saliva production. If dryness persists, talk to your Milton dentist about saliva substitutes.
Eat a Balanced Diet
A diet with plenty of vitamins and minerals ensures good dental health. Calcium and vitamin D strengthen teeth and bones. These nutrients are contained in dairy products, leafy vegetables, and breakfast cereals that are fortified with vitamins and minerals. Avoid sugary drinks and snacks, which lead to cavities. Crunchy vegetables and fruits, including apples and carrots, cleanse teeth naturally.
Dental care for dentures and implants
If you have dentures, brush them with a denture cleaner and a soft brush on a daily basis. Do not use regular toothpaste, as it could be too aggressive on the dentures. Remove dentures at night to let gums rest. If you have implants, brush the implants as you would natural teeth. Follow your dentist’s instructions for proper care.
Avoid Tobacco
Tobacco smoking and chewing increase the risk of gum disease, tooth loss, and mouth cancer. Avoiding tobacco helps prevent these health issues. If quitting becomes difficult, seek the aid of a healthcare professional.
Watch for Changes
Be mindful of new soreness, sores, or changes in your mouth. If sores last longer than two weeks, see a dentist. Sudden teeth sensitivity or constant bad breath may be a sign of something more severe.
Taking care of your teeth and gums improves the quality of your life. Simple daily habits and regular dental hygiene prevent problems and make your smile strong for the years to come.
The information provided is for general information purposes only and not intended to replace professional care. Please consult your physician or dentist for advice and diagnoses so you can be properly treated for your specific situation.
