Maintaining a healthy smile is important for people of all ages, but it becomes especially crucial for seniors. Bodily changes are inevitable in human life, and oral tissues are not left behind as they age.
Even specialists at leading dentistry firms in Puyallup, Graham, Tacoma, and nearby locations suggest that teeth can become weaker and more susceptible to decay, gums recede, and dry mouth becomes a common problem.
These changes bring about several oral complications, including loss of teeth, gum disease, and the possibility of getting infected.
But there is a silver lining here: older adults are not powerless in the fight to keep their teeth clean and their smiles as bright as ever.
In this blog post by Meridian South Family Dentistry, we’ll explore ten essential oral health tips for seniors to navigate age-related dental issues and maintain a beautiful, toothy smile.
10 Essential Tips for Seniors’ Oral Health
Personal oral hygiene for older adults is a continuous procedure that does not consume much time. With these few timely measures, oral care for seniors can ensure they continue to maintain healthy teeth in a few minutes.
1. Proper Brushing Technique
According to the leading pediatric dentistry firms in Puyallup, brushing your teeth twice a day is vital for removing plaque and bacteria from the mouth. However, older adults need to use the proper brushing technique to ensure they clean their teeth effectively.
Here are the steps for proper brushing technique:
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Apply a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste to your toothbrush.
- Brush your teeth in a gentle circular motion, making sure to brush all surfaces of your teeth, including the front, back, and top.
- Scrape your tongue to clean off bacteria and eliminate stinking breath.
- Brush for two minutes.
If you find it difficult to brush your teeth for two minutes, you can use a timer to help keep track of the time.
2. Flossing Daily
Another senior-friendly dental practice an older adult mustn’t neglect is routine flossing.
You should floss each day as firmly as possible, like brushing to clean the areas between your teeth where your toothbrush cannot easily reach.
There are two main types of floss:
1. String floss
String floss consists of a very narrow tape that can be threaded between the teeth to remove plaque and germ deposits.
2. Water floss
Water floss is a device that uses a stream of water and allows you to rinse your mouth thoroughly to get rid of all the plaque and bacteria that may be present between your teeth.
If you have difficulty using string floss, feel free to contact our team at Meridian South Family Dentistry for professional assistance. Call 253 847-4388 to schedule an appointment today.
3. Healthy Diet for Oral Health
According to the American Dental Association, a healthy diet for senior dental health is low in sugar and processed foods and high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. These foods contain the minerals your teeth and gums need to remain healthy.
4. Regular Dental Checkups
Most geriatric dentists in Graham, Tacoma, and surrounding areas swear by the effective suggestion that seniors can enhance their oral health by prioritizing dental checkups and cleanings. The American Dental Association (ADA) advises that older adults must visit the dentist at least once a year for a checkup, and more so if one of the factors predisposing one to oral diseases is present.
During a dental appointment, your dentist will assess your teeth and the gums for signs of cavities, periodontal disease, or any other disease that may affect your teeth. They will also polish your teeth to make them free from plaque and tartar that is known to cause cavities and gingivitis.
Regular dental checkups are important for seniors because they can help identify and treat oral health problems that often come with aging early on when they are easier to treat.
5. Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water is important for overall health and oral health. It helps maintain moisture in the mouth, reducing dryness and cavities. According to the leading dentistry experts in Graham who specialize in oral health management for the elderly, a dry mouth can lead to cavities because it reduces the amount of saliva in the mouth, which helps to wash away food particles and bacteria.
Ensure you drink at least eight glasses of water daily. Drinking more water is important if the weather is hot, you are physically active, or you have a condition that causes you to lose water.
6. Addressing Dry Mouth
Dry mouth is a common condition in seniors, often caused by medications or underlying health conditions. It can lead to gum disease, cavities, and difficulty speaking and swallowing.
According to the leading dentistry firms in Tacoma, here are some tips for addressing dry mouth:
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
- Chew gum or suck on sugar-free candy or lozenges to increase saliva production in your mouth.
- To increase humidity levels, one can use a humidifier at night when the level of evaporation is lower.
- Talk to your dentist about medications that may be causing dry mouth. There may be alternative medications available.
ALSO READ: Single Tooth Dental Implants: A Comprehensive Guide
7. Using Mouthwash
Mouthwashing is an important part of dental hygiene, although it is still not a safe replacement for brushing and flossing. Leading gerontological dentistry experts in Puyallup reveal that while mouthwash will help eliminate bacteria in the mouth and even produce fresh breath, it cannot get rid of the film and bacteria on the teeth’ surface.
There are two main types of mouthwash: antiseptic and therapeutic. Antiseptic mouthwash eliminates bacteria within the oral cavity, while therapeutic rinse is prescribed for a specific oral condition, such as gingival disease associated with an early stage of gum disease.
If you are considering using mouthwash, consult your senior dentist about which type is best for you.
8. Avoid Tobacco and Limit Alcohol Consumption
Tobacco use, including cigarettes, chewing tobacco, and smokeless tobacco, is a major risk factor for oral cancer. It also tends to accumulate on the gum line and cause inflammation and even gingivitis. Smoking is the worst in general and for your oral health in particular; if you still use tobacco products, the best thing you can do is quit it.
Drinking alcohol also causes dryness of the mouth, thereby exposing the teeth to a higher risk of cavities and gum diseases. Even though certain research indicates that moderate consumption of red wine is healthy, it is wise to seek your doctor’s advice on overconsumption of alcohol. If you need professional assistance, feel free to contact our team at Meridian South Family Dentistry.
Call Us at 253 847-4388 for warm and effective dental wellness solutions for older adults.
9. Denture Care For Seniors
Denture care is very important for senior oral hygiene. Clean your dentures with a soft-bristled toothbrush and denture cleaner, not toothpaste. Remember to soak your dentures daily and thoroughly rinse them before use.
Immerse them in a cleaning solution for a whole night. Clean your gums and tongue regularly with a toothbrush or a scraper. It is advisable to visit a reputable dentistry firm like Meridian South Family Dentistry for a professional examination and help managing your dentures.
10. Regular Oral Cancer Screenings
According to the leading dentistry experts in Graham, oral cancer is a serious health concern for seniors. The risk of oral cancer only increases with age. Regular dental checkups include senior oral cancer screenings as part of preventive dentistry for seniors.
During the screening, your dentist will look for any symptoms of mouth cancer, including lumps, sores, or white patches. However, it should be noted that early diagnosis improves the chances of a better outcome, allowing for early management.
Final Takeaway
Maintaining good oral health is essential for older adults to enjoy a healthy, fulfilling life. By following these ten senior oral health tips, you can get control over dental concerns that come with age and maintain healthy teeth and gums. Daily brushing, flossing, dental checkups, treating dry mouth, and eating a healthy diet rich in nutrients are the major aspects of dental care tips for the elderly. It is also worth repeating that dental hygiene plays a crucial role in maintaining a person’s general health.
Our team at Meridian South Family Dentistry aims to offer patient-centered services that meet the special requirements of the elderly. Our mission is to strive to obtain the patient’s oral health and increase their quality of life by offering general, restorative, and geriatric dental care.
Our state-of-the-art facilities in Puyallup, Graham, Tacoma, and surrounding areas are equipped to provide comprehensive dental care, from routine cleanings to advanced treatments. Our skilled professionals are always here to help you achieve and maintain optimal oral health. We offer services that include regular senior dental check-ups, oral cancer screenings, and tailored advice on oral care and management for older adults.
Take the first step towards better oral health today. Schedule an appointment with Meridian South Family Dentistry and experience the difference that personalized, senior-friendly dental care can make. For more information or to book your visit, contact us at 253 847-4388.
