When we grow old, maintaining our oral health becomes very important. With age, we start to face some dental problems that are related to old age, like increased sensitivity in teeth, receding gums, or a higher risk of tooth decay.
If older people do not take proper care of their oral health, then they can easily contract these diseases. They have to ensure proper dental care so that they can prevent these issues and support their overall well-being.
If you are an elderly citizen, then you should visit your nearest dental clinic Lincoln, NE. They can give you a carefully made dental care routine that can help you maintain your oral health. Their guidance can also help you detect any problem at an early stage so that you can take the correct treatment at the right time.
Read this article to learn more about some common oral health issues faced by elderly citizens and how you can prevent them.
Common Oral Health Issues in Seniors
With increasing age, your health and immune system start to get weak, and in such a situation, you have to take extra care of yourself. Old age brings some specific diseases with it. It is important that you know about them so you can take the correct preventive measures to keep yourself safe.
1. Gum Disease
Gum disease is very common in older adults. It is also called periodontal disease. It is basically an infection that starts to damage your gums over time and then reaches your jawbone and starts destroying it, too. Seniors suffer from this more because of their decreased immunity and dry mouth.
2. Dry Mouth
Many senior citizens can have dry mouths. This can be for many reasons, such as medications or a medical condition. The saliva that is produced in our mouth has many roles, and one of them is to wash away food particles in our mouth and also neutralize acids to some extent. So, if our mouth lacks saliva, then this can increase the risk of cavities and gum diseases.
3. Tooth Wear
Our teeth are made to be durable, but with years of wear and tear, grinding, and bad food habits, they eventually become weak. This then makes our teeth more vulnerable to decay as well as sensitivity.
4. Denture-Related Issues
People who wear dentures can have some problems like sore spots, infection, and difficulty eating. It is important to take care of your dentures and visit your dentist regularly so that you can spot these issues while they are small.
Consistent Oral Hygiene Routine
The most important part of maintaining your oral health is having a solid oral hygiene routine so that you can avoid any plaque from building up and save your teeth from cavities and gum diseases.
Seniors have to start following some dental care habits that help them deal with age-related changes in their oral health.
1. Brushing Twice a Day
Though everyone is advised to brush twice a day for senior citizens, it becomes compulsory to brush twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste so that they can keep their teeth clean and strong.
2. Flossing Daily
Flossing is also advised for all ages and should be done by everyone daily. Dental floss can help remove food particles and plaque that are stuck between our teeth. This can help in reducing the risk of gum disease.
Maintain a Healthy Diet for Oral Health
Diet can have a huge effect on your oral health, especially for seniors. There are some foods that can help make your teeth and gums strong, but there are also foods that can damage them.
It is important for elderly citizens to eat a balanced diet that is rich in Calcium and Vitamin D, like leafy greens, dairy products, and fortified foods. They should also try to avoid food that has high sugar content as they can increase the risk of plaque buildup and cavities. Acidic food can also weaken your teeth by eroding tooth enamel.
Take Care of Your Oral Health Today!
Taking care of your oral health in older age is not just about your smile but also about your overall health. It is important for you to take some necessary precautions that can help keep your teeth and gum in perfect shape. Consult with a dentist to make a solid dental care routine for your oral health.
