These days, there are more seniors with their natural teeth and a healthy Smile than ever before. Dentists believe this number will keep increasing, ensuring a better quality of life and health for seniors in the future.
With aging, you may discover impairments with your teeth, including chipping and discoloration. Usually, simply undergoing a teeth whitening procedure is enough to make your smile better looking. Restoring a chipped or worn tooth using bonding or porcelain veneers can also improve your appearance. Dentists typically use a smile makeover to correct flaws in the teeth and make your smile appear youthful. However, you do not always need these procedures to have a healthy mouth and a beautiful smile.
Preserving the allure of your smile is important to ensure your teeth remains healthy and strong. Preventative care is essential at every stage in life. That said, senior citizens may need to visit the dentist more frequently than younger adults. The following are important tips for seniors who want to maintain their smile well into old age.
Brush your teeth at least twice daily using fluoride toothpaste. Floss at least once a day as well. If you want better results, floss after meals. It helps to decrease the threat of gum disease, which can cause tooth loss.
If you have arthritis or tremors, brushing or flossing with a regular toothbrush may be very difficult. You should find products that assist with oral cleaning. These may include an electric toothbrush, floss picks and wide-handled toothbrushes.
If you already use dentures, clean them after meals and before inserting them in the morning. Before sleeping, soak your dentures in a cleaning solution. Clean your dentures only with a soft-bristled toothbrush and denture cleanser. If bacteria grow on your dentures, it can affect your health and cause bad breath.
Both tobacco and alcohol put you at risk of developing oral and throat cancers. Also, people who smoke or consume tobacco products have higher chances of developing gum disease than non-smokers.
It is important to go to the dentist’s office at least twice a year. The dentist will be able to examine the condition of your teeth and gums and also screen for oral cancer and lesions. If you undergo chemotherapy and radiation therapy, you especially need to see your dentist to monitor your oral health.
Many seniors have prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs to manage chronic health conditions. Unfortunately, some of these medications come with side effects like dry mouth. With a dry mouth, you are at a higher risk of developing dental cavities and gum disease.
If changing the drug is not an option, increasing water intake and chewing sugar-free gum can help increase saliva production. Using tobacco, alcohols and sedatives can also cause dry mouth.
With excellent oral care and dental checkups, seniors may maintain a healthy and attractive smile. Call our office to learn more about caring for your teeth.
Request an appointment here: https://www.smilesbydesignhuntsville.com or call Smiles by Design, PC at (256) 660-3233 for an appointment in our Huntsville office.
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