Oral Health Care for Older Adults
As you age, your health begins to deteriorate more rapidly than it does for a younger individual. This is because your body has seen more and been in contact with more things that can cause potential harm. The body is not ageless, so signs of wear and tear are necessary as you age. This is not solely related to the body, but the mouth as well. Because of this, it is important to keep track of your oral health as you age. The better you care for your teeth, the less issues you’re likely to run into in the long run. There are many ways that you can maintain good oral and dental health for older adults, but if you’re unfamiliar with great dental hygiene habits, it’s great to learn how. For everything you need to know about oral health care for older adults, keep reading below!
Daily Hygiene
The first and foremost way to maintain a good oral standing as an adult is by performing daily hygiene and maintenance care to your mouth. The more generalized care you take of your teeth, the better and stronger your teeth will be. Some tips for daily oral hygiene include brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing at least once per day. These practices ensure there is no significant plaque buildup over time. Plaque is the sticky layer film of bacteria that forms over and between teeth that can lead to oral decay and cavities. Make sure to brush for at least two minutes with moderate pressure and toothpaste to avoid potential gum irritation.
Have Regular Dentist Check-Ups
A second significant way to have good oral health as an adult is by visiting your dentist regularly. The American Dental Association recommends visiting your dentist twice a year, six months apart from each visit. This allows you to track oral health over time as well as get a deep dental cleansing every six months. With the professional tools your dentist offers, plaque will be scraped off your teeth and leave you with healthy pearl white teeth.
Oral Cancer Screening
One of the most detrimental possibilities relating to aging oral health is oral cancer. Oral cancer is difficult to spot due to the few symptoms that are associated with it until late stages. Visiting the dentist and taking good care of your oral hygiene may be able to prevent oral cancer. Your dentist can run an oral cancer screen on you if they notice any abnormalities, which can potentially save your life. Statistically, oral cancer is more common in older adults and individuals compared to younger ones. An oral cancer screen can greatly save your life.
Beware of Periodontal Disease and Tooth Decay
Based on studies and confirmed statistics, the chance of contracting periodontal disease increases about 30 percent once you hit middle-age. This means that older adults can risk losing their teeth more significantly, potentially creating the need for dentures. The best way to prevent periodontal disease is by visiting your dentist bi-yearly, performing normal oral and dental care, and staying proactive in your oral care. As you age, it becomes increasingly more important to care for your teeth because negative implications can occur if you fail to do so.
Keep Your Mouth Happy
A healthy mouth is a happy mouth! Be sure to stay up-to-date on check-ups and perform the best oral hygiene care that you can. If you have any questions relating to how to properly care for your teeth as you age, contact your local dentist. Always be open with your dentist, as they can be the key to having perfect oral health as an older adult!
If you or a loved one is in need of an adult dentistry consultation, contact us today!
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