5 Dental Health Tips for Seniors

A recent survey conducted by Procter & Gamble and AARP revealed dental health as one of the top three medical concerns among adults 50 and older, and though older adults are making visits to the dentists regularly, not many are maintaining a full oral care routine, including flossing daily, using mouthwash and brushing regularly.

“Plaque is an accumulation of bacteria that is normal in our mouths,” says Jack Gruber, D.D.S. “Daily flossing will prevent the accumulation of 90 percent if plaque is hiding between teeth. Brushing will help get rid of the other 10 percent.”

Tip #1: It’s about when you brush as well as how you brush

The survey found that a third of adults only brushed once a day, even though the American Dental Association recommends brushing at least twice a day or after every meal to rid of any harmful bacteria that can cause tooth decay and cavities. Remember, your risk of cavities increase with age. When brushing, move the toothbrush back and forth in short strokes, attacking both outer and inside surfaces and reaching for the chewing surfaces of all teeth. If you have difficulty reaching certain places because of limited movement due to arthritis or another condition, try an electric toothbrush. Finally, brush your tongue to remove bacteria and keep your breath fresh.

Tip #2: Brushing can’t get everything, so flossing is a must

Almost half of the adults surveyed said they did not floss daily. Flossing, according to the ADA, is an essential part of any oral health care routine and should be done at least once a day to remove plaque, which can turn into tartar, from between teeth where a toothbrush cannot reach. Flossing can also help prevent gum disease and cavities. To properly floss, gently slide floss into the space between the gum and tooth, moving the flow away from the gum in an up and down motion. If holding the floss is difficult, try using a wooden plaque remover or a dental pick. Whichever tool you end up using, just be sure to plan a few minutes out of the day to floss.

Tip #3: Consider rinsing with mouthwash for an added boost of clean

Rinsing with mouthwash, most of which are available without a prescription, can be done before or after brushing to help freshen breath, remove debris, and can reduce gingivitis, plaque and tartar. Though rinsing with mouthwash is not a substitute for brushing or flossing, it can offer additional protection against cavities and gum disease. Consult with your dentist on whether mouthwash should be part of your oral health routine. Your dentist can also advise on whether you should use a mouthwash with fluoride or antimicrobial agents.

Tip #4: Infuse your diet with fruits and vegetables

Sugary foods and drinks, including soda and juice, and hard candies can damage teeth. Avoid empty-calorie foods like candy, cookies and other snacks like chips as they have a high amount of sugar that can stick to your teeth and lead to tooth decay. Instead, consider fruits and vegetables to promote healthy oral hygiene since they help stimulate saliva production, washing away harmful acids and food particles away from your teeth.

Tip #5: Keep up the good work at make visiting a dentist a habit

More than 70 percent of adults surveyed said they visited a dentist for treatment the same or more times than they did 10 years ago, showing concern for their overall oral health. Be sure to maintain regular dental checkups and avoid going to the dentist simply when you are in pain. This is because as we age, the nerves in our teeth become smaller and less sensitive, so by the time you feel pain, it may be too late to save the tooth. Diseases like oral cancer or gum disease are also conditions your dentist can detect in earlier stages.

Sources: http://periclean.com

Dental Health Tips for Seniors

How Our Teeth Change as We Age

Just like the rest of our lives, teeth change as we get older. They become stained, weaker and more brittle, requiring more specialized care for good dental health.
No matter how good our dental health habits have been up to this point, it is inevitable that each of us will deal with some form of dental disease, like periodontal disease, as we age. However, the proper care that now has to be incorporated will go a long way toward good dental health.

Brush and Floss Teeth More Often

The basic recommendation for brushing and flossing teeth is to brush them twice a day – once at morning and once at night before bed – and floss once a day for complete dental health. As we get older, it’s a good idea to step this up. For example, consider brushing your teeth after every meal as well as when you get up and while getting ready for bed.
After the age of 50, plaque becomes more difficult to remove and builds up quickly. All of this brushing removes plaque, not giving it a chance to build up at all and negatively effect gum tissue. These strong habits go a long way toward good dental health.

Maintain a Moist Mouth

As we get older, more and varied medications are often required in order for us to remain in good overall health. These medications, however, can often cause a condition called “dry mouth,” which is basically a reduction in saliva and negatively effects our dental health.
Saliva is essential for our dental health, protecting our teeth through neutralizing bacteria and rinsing away food particles that lead to plaque build up. To combat dry mouth, make an oral rinse a part of your dental habits during the day, and consider chewing sugar free gum to help generate saliva.

Go Gentle on Gum Tissue

As we age, our gum tissue begins to weaken and thin, which poses a risk for gum disease. While brushing and flossing throughout the day, be aware that these activities can tear gum tissue, so be as gentle as possible. If your teeth and gums have become sensitive, make an appointment for a consultation by calling Southwest Portland Dental at 503-244-8112.

Increase the Frequency of Dental Visits

While regular checkups may have been fine every 6 months up to this point, it might be a good idea to increase the frequency of your visits to your dentist.

Source: http://www.southwestportlanddental.com