Aging has varied health implications. Unfortunately, oral health is not spared. The elderly have higher risks of tooth decay, tooth loss, gingivitis, oral infections and oral cancers. Furthermore, elderly people with dementia have worse oral health than people without. Immune compromise that occurs in old age partly explains the increased risk but other factors like nutritional deficiency and poor oral hygiene contribute to poor oral health. Dental health is very important, right from young age. Only then you can maintain it later. There are several cosmetic procedures available today, such as Clear aligners to help imporove the aesthetic appeal of your face. Despite aging, one can still take care of their teeth and maintain good oral care well beyond 55 years. Here are a few ways for taking care of your teeth when you are over 55.
Brush Your Teeth
One of the most effective means to maintain good oral teeth across all age groups is tooth brushing. Brushing your teeth clears tartar and harmful bacteria from the enamel. Fluorinated toothpastes are recommended for adults. Ideally, you should brush your teeth at least twice a day for good outcomes and each session should last for 2-3 minutes. The best time to brush your teeth is after meals. However, it’s important not to overdo it since toothbrushes can cause abrasive trauma to the gums. For the elderly tooth brushing may be a daunting task as access to hard to reach areas becomes more difficult. Therefore, it’s crucial to get the right tools for the job. If you have dexterity, an electric toothbrush will make work easier. Moreover, toothbrushes with soft bristles are ideal for the elderly due to their shrinking gum line.
Floss
Tooth brushing on it’s own is not enough to maintain good oral health. Dental floss is a great adjunct to oral care and it’s effective in reaching tough spaces between teeth. Flossing loosens tough tartar stuck on the enamel. Coupled with tooth brushing, flossing is effective in clearing the enamel. Dentists from South Austin Dental Specialty Group recommend flossing at least once a day before a tooth brushing session.
Visit Your Dentist
Sensory perception is compromised in old age. Consequently, dental issues go unnoticed since pain is not a prime symptom. Dental check-ups by a good Underwood dentist are important for the diagnosis and management of dental conditions in the elderly. Dentists conduct comprehensive assessments of oral health and can pick out symptomless pathologies. If you want the best dental services for you and your loved ones, visit the most trusted Chapel Hill Family Dentistry. Moreover, they can make diagnosis of systemic conditions that present with oral symptoms. Two visits per year are recommended for individuals with good oral health but more check-ups may be advised in special circumstances. In case you have concerns surrounding your oral health, you can request for a dental check-up anytime. If you need a recommendation, you can always seek oral solutions in west hollywood ca to get started on dental care.
Beware of Your Medication
Due to the numerous conditions that come with old age, most people above 55 years take some sort of medication. Although most of these medications are good, some have oral side effects. They can give you a dry mouth or leave you susceptible to infections. Therefore it’s important to manage the side effects and keep your primary care doctor on the loop in case management fails. For most conditions there are always alternative medications with fewer manageable side effects. Remember to keep your mouth moist after taking oral medications. Use oral moisturizers and drink plenty of water.
Assess for Cancer
Cancer is a growing concern in dental medicine. The number of cases of mouth, tongue and throat cancers is growing each year and the most affected age group is individuals over 40. Although the age of diagnosis is averagely 62 years old, subtle symptoms often present earlier. You can take initiative and get familiar with subtle symptoms; white or red patches and lumps that don’t heal. If you notice any of these symptoms, get in touch with KB Village Dental.
Ensure You are Covered
Dental insurance is a necessary cover if you have clocked 55. Since dental visits may be frequent in old age and management of conditions may extend over long periods, insurance will save you a lot of money. Discuss with your dentist in Maroubra on the best cover and ensure your insurance is always active.
Old age comes with numerous challenges but your oral health doesn’t have to be one of them.