Sciota, Pennsylvania
Oral care should remain a top priority no matter your age to help reduce the risk of cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues. But as you age, it becomes more important than ever to practice daily oral hygiene. Coincidentally, bone density naturally diminishes as you get older, and other diseases like diabetes or heart disease can make maintaining your oral health seem like an uphill battle. Today on the blog, our Sciota family dentists at Quiet Valley Dental share the best oral care tips for seniors so that you can keep your teeth and gums in tiptop shape as you age.
See the dentist regularly
You should visit the dentist for cleanings and checkups at least twice a year or once every six months, even if you wear dentures. In some cases, patients with gum disease or that have a higher risk of cavities should see the dentist more often. It’s much better to catch oral issues when they first start rather than waiting until you get a toothache or worse.
Practice oral hygiene daily
Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing daily is one of the best measures you can take to protect your oral health and reduce dental diseases. However, seniors sometimes struggle with flossing because of limited mobility or dexterity issues. If this is the case for you, consider investing in an inexpensive water flosser to blast away food particles that lurk between teeth or under dental bridges and implants. It takes about 12 hours for oral bacteria to begin forming plaque on your teeth, which can later result in tartar buildup if not removed. Therefore, aim to brush twice a day and especially before bed to protect your teeth and gums.
Look out for changes in your oral health
As you age, your risk of oral cancer increases. Be on the lookout for changes in your gums like sore spots that don’t heal or lumps or white or red patches that may form anywhere inside your mouth or on your lips. This is particularly important for individuals that use tobacco in any form as this increases the risk of developing oral cancer.
Avoid tobacco
Speaking of tobacco usage, you should stop if you smoke, chew tobacco, or vape. Nearly 9 out of every 10 cases of lung cancer are due to smoking, although cancer could show up anywhere throughout the body as a result of smoking, including your mouth or throat.
Ask the dentist about dry mouth
Dry mouth is a common complaint of aging adults. As you get older, your body produces less saliva, which is a natural protectant to your teeth. Additionally, certain medications can cause dry mouth, which increases chronic bad breath, as well as the risk of cavities and gum disease. If you experience dry mouth, do not ignore it. Instead, ask the dentist about natural ways to promote saliva production and reduce dry mouth.
Dentists for Seniors in Sciota, Pennsylvania
We welcome patients of all ages and stages at Quiet Valley Dental. It is imperative that aging adults take care of teeth and gums and maintain good oral health. To learn more or schedule an appointment, contact Quiet Valley Dental by calling (570) 992-7040.
