Taking care of your teeth and gums is important all through your life, but it is even more important as you get older. The way our mouths work changes as we age, and it may be harder to keep our smiles healthy.
If you are an adult living in Northwest Albuquerque, NM, it is important to find a good family dentist in Northwest Albuquerque, NM to keep your teeth healthy. This article gives adults advice on how to keep their teeth healthy and avoid common dental problems.
Why is oral health important for seniors?
Our mouths age just like every other part of our bodies. But not taking care of your teeth and gums can cause more than just toothaches.
It can make you more likely to get illnesses, heart problems, and even diabetes. Taking care of your mouth and teeth is a big part of staying healthy in general.
The unique oral health challenges that seniors face.
A number of things can make it harder for older people to keep their teeth healthy. Dry mouth, a disease that makes you make less saliva, is common in older people. Saliva helps keep teeth clean by washing away bits of food.
Medications can also make your mouth dry. Aging people may also have gums that pull away from their teeth, which can show the sensitive root of the tooth. This could make your teeth hurt and feel warm.
Poor gum health or tooth loss can also cause some adults to lose or have broken teeth. Dentures or implants can help recover function and look, but they need extra care to keep them from getting infected.
Tips for seniors to maintain a healthy smile.
There are lots of good things that older people can do to keep their teeth and gums healthy. Here are some important tips:
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You should use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to brush your teeth twice a day.
Brush your teeth gently for two minutes, paying extra attention to places like the gum line that are hard to reach. To keep enamel from getting damaged, use a toothbrush with soft bristles. To improve enamel and keep diseases away, use toothpaste with fluoride.
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Every day, floss to get rid of bacteria and food stuck between your teeth.
Water flossers are useful for getting between teeth that are hard to reach with a toothbrush because plaque buildup there can lead to tartar buildup and gum disease.
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After you brush and floss, rinse your mouth with an antibacterial mouthwash.
As it fights dangerous bacteria in the mouth, antibacterial mouthwash can help get rid of germs that cause bad breath and gum disease while also making breath smell better.
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For good health, eat foods that are low in acid and sugar.
For good oral health, it is important to eat a diet full of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D. These nutrients can help stop tooth loss and gum disease.
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Make sure you drink a lot of water to stay hydrated.
Throughout the day, drinking a lot of water helps keep your mouth wet, gets rid of food bits, stops dry mouth, and lowers your risk of tooth decay.
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Do not smoke or use anything with tobacco.
As a result of damaging gum and tooth cells, smoking makes gum disease and other oral health problems more likely and can even cause you to lose teeth.
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Check up and clean your teeth with a dentist every six months.
Even for people with implants or dentures, going to the dentist regularly is important for keeping your teeth healthy and spotting possible problems. This is because regular visits can help find and fix problems early on.
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Consider a dental sealant.
Dental sealants are covers that are used to protect the chewing surfaces of teeth and stop cavities. They are helpful for kids, teens, and adults who are at risk for cavities.
If older individuals follow these tips, they can keep their smiles healthy and avoid common dental problems. Maintaining good mouth care is an important part of being healthy and happy all around.
