Long gone are the days of dentures. The extraction of teeth and use of dentures as we age is still a treatment option but very avoidable with modern-day preventative dentistry. Maintaining healthy teeth and a healthy smile is possible no matter our age and essential to maintaining a healthy life.
There is an important link between oral health and overall health, which has been linked to cardiovascular health such as heart disease and stroke, respiratory health, and diabetes. To maintain strong overall health, we need to maintain strong and healthy teeth and gums.
Often, medications can have side effects that affect the mouth. Many medicines can cause a dry mouth, and some medications can even cause swelling of the gums. While on certain medications, it is essential to know any potential side effects that the medication may cause and talk to your dentist about preventing and coping with a dry mouth or swollen gums.
There are several important factors involved in maintaining proper oral health as a senior. These factors involve proper oral care such as brushing, flossing and using a mouth wash, obtaining adequate nutrition by eating a balanced diet, taking care of dentures, implants, or existing prosthodontics and seeing a dentist dental hygienist regularly for dental work and oral cancer screenings.
If oral care is not adequately maintained, there is a risk of many different oral complications such as cavities, gum disease, loss of teeth and even oral cancer.
Listed below are some essential ways to maintain oral health as a senior:
- Brush your teeth twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Floss your teeth at least once a day. Floss sticks are easy to use and have a handle
- Use a mouthwash that does not contain alcohol
- If you have a dry mouth, be sure to use a dry mouth product such as a salivary substitute
- If you have dentures, be sure to remove them each night and clean them properly before storing them in a denture solution
- Use a toothpaste that contains fluoride to prevent cavities
- See your dentist and dental hygienist regularly for dental check-ups, dental cleanings and oral cancer screenings