Aging can lead tо dental health issues, but proper oral hygiene and regular visits tо a dentist can help minimize risks. For residents оf King City, King City Dental offers comprehensive care tо support optimal oral health.
Furthermore, eating a balanced diet consisting оf low-fat dairy products, proteins and lean meats rich іn phosphorus should help as well. Certain foods and beverages can damage tooth enamel over time and should be avoided. Regular flossing and antimicrobial mouthwash use are two key ways tо avoid gum disease.
Brush Daily
Daily brushing for seniors is the key to good dental health. Brushing helps prevent gum disease from manifesting itself into tooth decay that could ultimately require fillings or crowns to treat.
Regular oral hygiene helps the mouth remain healthy by minimizing bacteria buildup. If left unattended, bacteria can adhere to teeth and form tartar that only professional dentists can remove from plaque deposits; otherwise it can cause gum inflammation and eventually loose teeth.
Diet is also key in supporting oral health; include leafy greens, yogurt/cheese/fruit/veggies as part of your regular meal plans for optimal periodontal health and reduced inflammation responses from other conditions like diabetes or cardiovascular diseases which may worsen periodontal disease (2)
Floss Daily
Flossing may feel awkward at first, especially if it is something new for you to do regularly; however, getting into the habit is essential to maintaining good dental health. Just a few minutes a day could lower your risk for gum disease and other oral health concerns.
Gum disease not only protects against tooth decay but can lead to other serious medical conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and respiratory conditions. Gum inflammation releases pro-inflammatory compounds which circulate throughout your body causing chronic inflammation which in turn increases your risk for these health issues.
Dental floss can remove plaque, a sticky film of bacteria (germs), from between each tooth and where the gum meets it, helping prevent gum disease and cavities from developing. Wide surfaced dental floss allows you to get in between each tooth and rub away bacteria more effectively.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Seniors often rely on regular dental visits as an essential means of maintaining good oral health. Like annual physical exams with their physician, dental visits allow doctors to catch any potential issues early so that they can be addressed before becoming serious issues.
At these regular appointments, dentists will screen for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, and any other potential health concerns. They'll also look out for any plaque or tartar accumulation and perform a professional teeth cleaning to give your smile its best chance at health.
Additionally, dentists offer sealants to protect teeth from decay as well as suggest mouthwashes to kill bacteria and freshen breath.
Make sure to inform the dentist of any new medications you are taking during your appointment, particularly those for depression or anxiety, high blood pressure or heart conditions, pain relief or cancer treatments. Some can reduce saliva production leading to dry mouth and increased tooth decay risk - this especially applies to people taking antidepressants or anxiety drugs, high blood pressure drugs or heart conditions medications as well as painkillers or cancer treatments.
Eat a Healthy Diet
Diet is one of the cornerstones of maintaining good dental health for seniors. Foods such as vegetable sticks, yoghurt, soup and cheese help remove sugar from teeth while stimulating saliva flow to fight bacteria and reduce acid damage caused by tooth decay.
Avoid sugary beverages such as fruit juices and soft drinks (both diet and regular), along with alcohol beverages. Drinking more water and limiting these foods can reduce bacteria that cause gum disease; eating nutrient-rich food from all of the major food groups will also help.
Home oral care and professional checkups are vital in maintaining a healthy mouth, but only a dental professional can remove tartar-forming plaque. Regular visits to Ideal Dental allow us to detect and treat gum problems early, helping keep them from worsening over time. Visit online or call now to make your next appointment!