Your entry in the senior citizen category does not bar you from taking care of your oral health. Practicing good oral hygiene is crucial at every stage of life. Taking care of your pearly whites in older age comes with its own challenges, but you can always call us in Stafford, VA, for easy oral health care tips.
Why is Senior Dental Care So Important?
You may have a lot on your plate as you age, but denying dental care the attention it needs is wrong. You need to do nothing special; simply follow regular dental checkups to catch issues early on to prevent problems from worsening and keep your oral health in the best shape.
If you let your dental issues be and do not cater to them as soon as signs of trouble appear, things may escalate easily, and you may not respond to treatments the way you’d want. This is because your body loses its ability to heal quickly with the passing years. That is why it is imperative to catch diseases early on for the best recovery.
Common Senior Dental Problems
So, what common dental challenges come up as you age?
1. Darkening of Teeth
Those multiple cups of coffee you enjoyed these past years have now left a mark of its presence on your teeth. This happens because, with time, your enamel wears down, revealing the darker dentin underneath, which gets stained by pigment leaving food and beverages.
2. Dry Mouth
The use of dentures and certain medicines can lead to a dry mouth that can open gates to various dental problems such as halitosis.
3. Gum Troubles
If you let things like plaque accumulate along with tobacco usage or do not clean your prosthetics like dentures properly, gum disease is a given in the latter part of your life.
4. Tooth Loss
If you fail to treat gum disease on time, you cannot save your tooth.
5. Teeth Sensitivity
As your enamel wears down, the protective ability of your teeth takes a blow, too. Cold or hot foods may start sending shockwaves of discomfort.
6. Denture Fitting
Ill-fit dentures lead to inflammation, whereas an overgrowth of Candida albicans may trigger thrush.
Tips for Keeping Your Smile Radiant as a Senior Citizen
- Brush and Floss Daily: Cleaning teeth twice daily for 2 minutes and flossing once can keep those teeth squeaky clean. However, if you have lost multiple teeth, clean the area with a soft cloth.
- Rinse with Mouthwash: Top it up to kill any remaining bacteria and prevent plaque buildup.
- Embrace Fluoride: Fluoride strengthens teeth enamel. Seniors who are at risk of developing tooth cavities can switch to fluoride-infused toothpaste for protection.
- Say No to Tobacco: Smoking and chewing tobacco is a big no-no. They are bad for your teeth and pave the way for serious health issues.
- Steer Clear Of Sugary Food And Beverages: Items like candies, sodas, and sugar-loaded items may seem tempting, but they are not good for your teeth or even overall health at this age.
- Hydrate with Water: Increasing water intake means flushing bacteria away from teeth, preventing them from potential tooth decay. Water not only rinses away bacteria but also neutralizes the acid in your mouth.
Closing Note
Do you want to learn more about the treatments we offer to help senior citizens with oral health care, here in Stafford, VA? Get in touch with professionals from Precision Smile Dentistry at 963 Garrisonville Rd. #101, Stafford, VA 22556. Or, connect via call. Dial (540) 300-2255 for an appointment.