As we get older, our teeth and gums can become more susceptible to problems. Aging adults need to be more conscious about their dental health.
Read on to learn more about the importance of dental health to the elderly and what they can do to maintain good oral health.
Why Seniors Should Be Concerned About Their Dental Health
There are some reasons why seniors should be concerned about their dental health. Here are the most significant ones:
1. Gum disease is more common in older adults.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that over 70% of adults aged 65 and over have periodontitis, the more advanced form of gum disease.
2. Gum disease is linked to serious health conditions.
Research has shown that gum disease is linked to other serious health conditions, such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. So seniors must keep their gums healthy to reduce their risk of developing these other conditions. This is to avoid emergencies, which can be more expensive and difficult to manage. You may visit this urgent dental care Rochester NY clinic in case of dental emergencies.
3. Seniors are more likely to experience tooth loss.
Aging adults are more likely to experience tooth loss than younger adults. According to the CDC, about one in six adults aged 65 and over have lost all of their teeth.
4. Tooth loss can affect your quality of life.
Tooth loss can make it difficult to eat and speak properly and lead to feelings of insecurity and social isolation. So seniors must take steps to prevent tooth loss, such as visiting the dentist regularly and brushing and flossing daily.
What Seniors Can Do to Maintain Good Oral Health
As aging adults, there are some things you can do to maintain good oral health, such as:
- Visit your dentist, like Adina Family Dental Care (see this website), regularly for checkups and cleanings. This is important to catch any problems early and allow them to address these issues before they become major.
- Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Be sure to brush gently, using circular motions. Also, your dental care should include using mouthwash with fluoride to help strengthen your teeth’s outer surfaces and protect them from cavities.
- Floss your teeth daily. Be sure to floss gently, using a back-and-forth motion.
- Eat a healthy diet to improve overall health, including your oral health. Be sure to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and limit sugary and acidic foods and drinks. The best foods for your teeth can include cheese, nuts, yogurt, and green leafy vegetables.
- Don’t smoke. Remember that smoking is bad for your overall health and oral health. It increases your risk of gum disease and tooth loss. If you smoke, consider quitting, or if you can’t, at least limit the number of cigarettes you smoke daily.
Final Words
As we age, our mouths can become more susceptible to problems. That’s why aging adults need to be more conscious about their dental health. Following the tips above can help keep your teeth and gums healthy as you age.
Ultimately, choose a dentist with experience handling seniors. If you can’t find one, ask for recommendations or look online. For instance, search “best geriatric dentist near me” to limit your search within your area.