There is no question about how important it is to keep your teeth healthy. It is especially important for those that are 60 years old and older. Even for seniors, dental hygiene is crucial for your teeth and your overall health and will help your teeth last much longer.

Many people choose to ignore oral hygiene because they are afraid of the dentist or getting bad news on their visit. Brushing and flossing your teeth is an effective preventative measure to avoid cavities and other oral conditions. Regular brushing and flossing remove bacteria from your teeth which will help keep your oral health under control. If you have cavities because you are not brushing or flossing, you are vulnerable to gum disease. Severe gum disease can spread to your heart and put you at risk for heart disease and stroke.

Gum Disease

As many as 2 in 3 adults have gum disease. This occurs when plaque builds up around your gum line which can lead to infections and affect the gum and the bone that keep your teeth in place.

These are the symptoms of gum disease:

• Swollen and tender gums
• Gums that blead easily after or during brushing
• Bad breath
• Gums that are shrinking
• Teeth that are sensitive

If you do not take note of these symptoms and seek dental attention, they can lead to infection, tooth decay, loss of teeth, and even heart disease.

Dental Issues in Seniors

There are many dental issues that come with age, and it is important to engage in proper dental hygiene to avoid them. Here are some things that seniors can experience when it comes to their teeth:

Disease

As the immune system weakens, you can end up with gum disease, oral cancer, and even thrush. Make sure to take preventative measures and screenings to avoid them.

Tooth Decay

Over time, you may experience wear, breakdown, and decay of your teeth. Your dentist can help you figure out the best course of action for your specific situation.

Tooth Loss

If you haven’t done a good job taking care of your teeth over the years, and you have gum disease, you may end up with tooth loss. Your dentist can help you with this.

Root Decay

You may experience receding gums as you age, and exposure can cause further root decay. It is crucial to have regular dental visits to catch gum issues right away and avoid further tooth decay.

Bad Breath

If you have gum disease, dry mouth, or even dirty dentures, you may get bad breath. Your dentist can help you with this issue.

Darkened Teeth

As you age, the dentin in your teeth changes, and it may change the color of your teeth. Make sure to talk to your dentist to see how you can get this corrected.

Oral Hygiene

It is important to take care of basic oral hygiene tasks which includes brushing and flossing teeth. If you do not take precautions by doing basic oral hygiene, you may end up with gum disease. Here is what you can do to prevent gum disease:

Brushing and flossing is crucial:

Teeth should be brushed and flossed at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Make sure to use an electric toothbrush that has soft bristles. You should also make sure that you brush after every meal. If you are having a difficult time flossing, you can try a hand flosser as it may be easier to maneuver. You should be gentle so that you do not hurt your gums.

Be careful with mouthwash:

Mouthwash is a great way to keep your mouth clean along with brushing, however, if you have issues with dry mouth, it may worsen the situation. You should make sure to check with your dentist before using mouthwash and stick with an alcohol-free option.

Consider implants instead of dentures:

If you’ve experienced tooth loss, don’t automatically assume that your only option is dentures. You may also be able to get implants. They are a great option if you’d like to preserve the look of regular teeth and have better jaw support and they may help in preventing jaw problems.

If you do have dentures, it is important to take care of them. This means that they need to be cleaned every day and they need to be out of their mouth for at least 4 hours to give them a break.

Watch out for medication side effects that affect your dental health:

If you are starting new medications, make sure to look out for any side effects that may worsen your dental health. This includes dry mouth, which can cause damage to your gums and overall teeth health.

Your dentist can help you manage your diabetes:

Those who suffer from diabetes are more prone to suffering from gum disease. However, if you do suffer from gum disease, you can improve your blood sugar levels and decrease the progression of diabetes. This is why it is important to see your dentist regularly so you can keep your teeth and gums healthy.

Drink lots of water:

As you get older, it is always best to avoid soda and drink water instead. Drinking sugary drinks will increase acidity in your mouth. It may ruin your tooth enamel, create cavities, and lead to tooth loss.

Visit your dentist regularly:

Make sure to schedule regular visits to your dentist so that you can do proper check-ups and cleanings.

Eat a well-balanced diet:

You should eat a well-balanced diet which includes fruits, vegetables, meat, and fish. Avoid sugary drinks and drink water.

Stop Smoking:

If you smoke, take steps to quit as smoking increases risks for gum disease.

Dental Health Affects Overall Health

Keep in mind that your dental health affects your overall health and well-being. For example, gum disease can create other health issues such as heart disease, lung disorders, arthritis, stroke, diabetes and more.

This is why it is important to take care of your teeth as you age as your immune system will weaken and make you more susceptible to oral health issues.

Medicare and Dental Care

You should educate yourself regarding the plan you choose for Medicare and make sure that it includes dental coverage. Original Medicare doesn’t include dental care, procedures, or supplies for fillings. Most people, if able, add a supplemental Medicare plan so that can get the dental care they need.

Make sure to schedule regular dentist appointments to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Find a dentist you are comfortable with so that you can feel safe going for visits. By visiting the dentist regularly, they will notice any warning signs of bigger issues so they can resolve them quickly.

Seek Professional Help

Do you or a senior loved one need in-home senior care services? Assisting Hands Home Care of Hollywood, FL, can help. We offer senior care services to those who have chosen to age at home, but who need some help with activities of daily living (ADLs) and other tasks around the home. Our highly trained caregivers will provide in-home care to your loved one and become their companion. For more information and to schedule an appointment for our services, call Assisting Hands Home Care of Hollywood, FL, today at (954) 859-2271.