Taking care of your teeth doesn’t just mean having a beautiful smile. Dental health extends beyond those pearly whites and that is why people, especially seniors, need to take good care of their teeth. Here are some dental hygiene tips that can keep them smiling for years to come.
dental implant cleaning
About 75% of older people who are at least 60 years old no longer have a full set of natural teeth. Most of them have artificial teeth such as crowns, dental implants, or dentures. It is imperative to take care of these latest smile accessories to ensure that they last for a long time. Since dentures and implants are not made from the same materials as teeth, they need maintenance more than just brushing.
When your dentist talks to you about proper care advice, you should listen and follow his advice. These include removing the retainers that come with an attached false tooth before eating and soaking the dentures in a cleaning solution while you sleep at night. They should also bring a container with them so that these are not thrown by accident.
Ask the dentist about prescriptions
It is natural for older people to have a dry mouth. As people age, their salivary glands do not produce enough saliva to lubricate the mouth. This can damage your teeth and also affect your digestion. There are cases where some medications tend to cause dry mouth, so it is important to mention this to your doctor when experiencing this side effect.
Follow a regular routine
There are times when people forget to brush their teeth, especially when they are too busy or tired. If this happens more often than not, dental health is neglected and this puts them at risk for cavities and gum disease. Therefore, they should include dental care in their daily routine so that they do not forget to brush and floss their teeth. If they make a habit of this, they will most likely remember it.
Use support tools
Many older people suffer from arthritis. This is a painful chronic condition that can make simple tasks like flossing much more challenging. Thanks to these new dental tools, practicing proper hygiene is easier on the hands and wrists. Instead of getting the floss out of a container, they can use toothpicks that come with a handle similar to a toothbrush but have a fibrous end to get between the teeth. Or, they can floss by holding the floss in place to avoid fiddling with their fingers.
When it comes to toothbrushes, they may go for those with thicker rubber grips that make them easier to hold compared to their thin plastic equivalent. It is also better to use toothbrushes that have soft bristles that are gentle and won’t hurt your gums. Also, older people’s teeth have become more sensitive to hot and cold as they age. As a solution, they can use all-natural toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth.
