Get A Youthful & Sparkling Smile In Old Age: 5 Dental Care Tips For Seniors

Older age leads to so many health challenges such as eyesight weakening, arthritis, blood pressure fluctuations, bad oral health, and so on. For other health-related problems, people follow proper medication and precautions. But what about your dental health? 

So here are the top 5 tips that will prevent older adults’ dental health and give them a confidential and dazzling smile:

Tip #1: Keep brushing & flossing 

Getting strong dental health is not a one-night process. Instead, you have to take care of your teeth for your whole life. So don’t ignore the basic habit of brushing and flossing twice a day. 

After the age of 50, the risk of plaque is much higher and difficult to cure as well. 

• Nowadays, you can consider electric brushes for the utmost dental cleaning. An electric toothbrush is convenient for gripping and it cleans 360° of your teeth, tingling, jaw, etc.
• If you are using a normal brush then prefer a soft bristle brush. And brushing very gently because bleeding from the gums is a very common problem in seniors. 
• Due to the high risk of plaque in seniors, consistent flossing can prevent you from severe dental disease and tooth decay. Flossing after every meal is the best habit you can develop today.

Tip #2: Implants vs dentures for a dazzling smile

A smiling face is the most attractive face, no matter what your age is. After the age of 50 if you’ve lost your tooth or teeth, don’t worry, there’s a solution! Consult your doctor for the best advice between dentures or implants. 

Dentures can be the best and most affordable option. But taking care of dentures is very crucial. Clean it properly and keep your dentures out of your mouth at least 4 hours a day. 

Implants are much more expensive but more convenient than dentures. Implants are removable, permanent, and natural looking. Implants provide a strong chewing ability. 

Tip #3: Use an antiseptic mouthwash 

Prefer antibacterial and antiseptic mouthwash rather than any regular mouthwash. Antibacterial mouth rinse can decrease bacteria which causes plaque, tooth decay, infection, and gum disease. Avoid the frequent use of mouthwash. Rinsing once a day, before bed is enough.

Tip #4: Visit your dentist frequently 

Don’t wait for toothache or bleeding problems to visit a dentist. Rather than maintain the regular dentist check-up. This can prevent you from having serious oral issues. Because your potential dentist can identify the symptoms of gum disease or tooth decay and can provide immediate and appropriate medication.

In older adults, oral cancer also occurs most often. So if you’ve noticed signs like swelling, bleeding, numbness, sores, or lumps in your mouth, visit an experienced dentist immediately.

Tip #5: Maintain oral hydration 

When the salivary glands in the mouth don’t work properly, it will lead to a high risk of tooth decay and infection. After the age of 50, due to many diseases and side effects of medicines dry mouth is very common.

Prevent your mouth from dryness by drinking plenty of water and avoid sugar and carbonated drinks such as packed juices, soft drinks, soda, caffeine, and alcohol as well.