As a senior, you are at a much higher risk of developing oral health issues such as tooth decay, gum disease, dry mouth, and oral cancer. These dental issues can lead to serious health problems down the road if not taken care of. That means you need to take even more care with your teeth to ensure they can maintain a good quality of life. Following these dental health tips for seniors can greatly reduce your risk of oral health problems.
Brush and Floss Daily
This is always good advice no matter what age you are but is especially important for seniors. Daily mouth care is the easiest and best way to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Brushing your teeth twice per day with a fluoride toothpaste helps prevent tooth decay. Don’t forget to brush your tongue and floss daily too.
You should also consider using a mouthwash with fluoride in it every evening for added protection.
If you have trouble controlling your arm and holding a toothbrush, there are a few things you can do to help:
Try an electric toothbrush (if you have trouble with fine movement)
Enlarge your handle with something like a tennis ball or sponge foam
Lengthen it with a stick or rod
Attach the brush to your hand and arm with elastic or Velcro
Talk to your dentist about overcoming the problem of holding your toothbrush
If you’re going to follow only one of these dental health tips for seniors, make it this one.
Watch for Signs of Trouble
Keeping an eye open for signs of problems can go a long way to spotting those problems and correcting them early. For example, gum disease is signalled by red, swollen gums when you brush your teeth. If you see early signs of gum disease, contact your dentist for advice.
Oral cancer is difficult to spot on your own. If you notice any changes in your mouth that last for more than 14 days, such as mouth sores, or if you detect a sudden change in your voice, you should visit your dentist for a screening. It’s important to schedule oral cancer examinations with your dentist twice a year to detect it early.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Your best ally in the fight for oral health is your dentist. Whether you’re 55 or 95, visiting your dentist regularly can do wonders for your dental health. When you’re visiting your dentist, you can talk to them about a variety of things, such as:
If you’re having trouble and need help brushing and flossing
Changes in your mouth and any signs of trouble
Tips for dry mouth or other oral health problems
Any new or existing health conditions you have
More dental health tips for seniors
Forest Lawn Dental Centre Offers Comprehensive Care for Seniors
If you follow the above dental health tips for seniors, you should have a great-looking smile for years to come. Forest Lawn Dental Centre is a trusted dentist in Calgary, providing comprehensive dental care and health tips for seniors. Contact us today to book your next appointment. Give us a call and let us show you how a visit to the dentist can translate to a positive experience for you and your loved ones in Applewood Park, Marlborough, Marlborough Park, Penbrook, Vista Heights, Temple, Dover Glen, Belvedere, Sunridge, Rundle, Pineridge, Monterey Park, Abby Dale, Lynwood, Valleyfield, Millican, Foothills, and Chestermere.