Posted by Meghan Weaver on Thu, Jul 22, 2010 @ 11:53 AM
Our smiles are made to last a lifetime and proper dental hygiene has a huge impact on the health of your mouth and body, whether you’re 5 or 85. However, as we get older, we become more susceptible to oral health problems such as periodontal disease, inflammation of the gum tissue, dry mouth syndrome (often caused by medications) and oral thrush just to name a few.
It’s plain to see that taking care of your oral health in your golden years comes with several unique considerations. Here are 5 essential tips for seniors to keep healthy teeth and gums (and ultimately healthy bodies).
#5 Keep consistent with your at home oral health care regiment: This means keep brushing, flossing and rinsing with mouthwash as instructed by your dentist to maintain proper dental hygiene.
If brushing and flossing are difficult for you, consider using an apparatus such as a tongue depressor to lengthen your brush or flossing tool. Also, if you suffer from arthritis or a similar condition, you may want to try inserting the back end of your toothbrush into a standard tennis ball for better maneuverability.
#4 Know the warning signs to prevent harmful conditions: Elders are generally more susceptible to many major oral health problems including gum disease, tooth loss, TMJ, dry mouth syndrome and oral cancer and should be on the lookout for key signs and symptoms. Symptoms to watch out for include, swelling of the gums, teeth sensitivity, loose teeth, jaw soreness, persistent mouth sores and bumps or an unquenchable thirst. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your dentist right away for diagnosis and treatment (if you live in Massachusetts and need help finding affordable dentistry, we can certainly help).
#3 Maintain dental appliances such as dentures and dental bridges properly: Contrary to popular belief, a set of dentures won’t last you 20 plus years. The ADA recommends replacing them every 5-7 years to avoid painful consequences such as mouth sores, oral lesions and difficulty chewing/swallowing/digesting food.
For denture wearers, we’ve put together 4 helpful tips to keep them in excellent shape and maintain oral health.
#2 Talk to your dentist about any medication you’re taking as dry mouth syndrome is a common side effect of many Rx drugs. For dry mouth sufferers, dentists can prescribe an array of solution such as an artificial saliva rinse to keep your mouth moist and wash harmful bacteria away.
#1 Visit your dentist as often as he or she recommends for regular checkups: Even if you wear dentures, it’s still vital to visit your dentist twice-yearly per-ADA recommendation. On top of keeping your mouth in tip top shape, your dentist can alert you of developments in your mouth that point to problems elsewhere in your body or pick up on early signs of improper jaw alignment or poor nutrition which may become problematic down the road.
Want more advice on senior dental care? Universal Dental Plan is out on tour this year with a full presentation on the importance of oral health and hygiene in the golden years. Sign up here to bring our Golden Smiles Tour to your local council on aging or senior center.
Posted by Meghan Weaver on Wed, Apr 28, 2010 @ 12:46 PM
Good oral health means more than just healthy teeth. It means that everything inside your mouth is disease free and working in the best way possible.
Oral health also has a huge impact on the health of your body. Studies show that poor oral hygiene can dramatically affect your heart health and make you five times more likely to develop respiratory infections.
That's why you must take the proper precautions to keep your mouth clean and healthy. Here are four common oral health problems so many of us face and four simple solutions to avoid them.
Problem #1: Bad breath (aka halitosis) - Bad breath has many culprits including poor oral health and dry mouth. People who consume caffeine, alcohol or take certain medications tend to have a higher risk for dry mouth and should stay extra vigilant for signs of bad breath.
The solution: Floss and use a fluoride rinse daily. This will help eliminate bacteria buildup and keep your mouth hydrated. Also, drink plenty of water and avoid oral health products that contain alcohol.
Problem #2: Canker sores - Doctors are still unsure about the root cause of canker sores which are aggravated by stress, hormonal changes, or rough brushing.
The solution: If you have a canker sore, try using antibacterial mouthwashes to help accelerate the healing process. Also, avoid any alcohol or citrus food or drink that may aggravate the area. Make sure to see your dentist if your canker sore persists.
Problem #3: Tooth grinding - This process is often spurred on by stress or anxiety. Many people grind their teeth while they're sleeping and don't even realize it. If you think you might be a teeth grinder, check for signs of worn enamel and jaw pain.
The solution: Integrate relaxation techniques into your nighttime routine. This will help you reduce instances of behaviors provoked by subconscious anxiety (i.e. tooth grinding). Or, you can ask your dentist about a sleep-guard to protect your teeth.
Problem #4: Tooth sensitivity - This can be caused by aggressive brushing, gingivitis, or frequent use of tooth-whitening products.
The solution: Use a soft bristled toothbrush and avoid pressing hard against your teeth when you brush. If your teeth are already sensitive, consider using toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth to keep pain at a minimum. Also, get regular dental cleanings to keep gum disease away.