While the need for oral health care is crucial irrespective of the age, it's the people who fall in the higher age group who need to be extra careful. The reason for the same is that your teeth are more vulnerable to decay and other dental problems during old age. But with a little extra care, you can enjoy sound oral health during the later years of your life as well.
Watch out for dental issues
The risk of certain dental problems is more for seniors. It is important that you watch out for these problems and take precautionary steps in advance. Here are some dental problems you need to be careful about.
* Cavities and decay- Older adults have increased chances of tooth decay at the surface of the root. To avoid decay, brush with a fluoride toothpaste and floss regularly.
* Teeth sensitivity- As you age, your gums begin to recede. This exposes certain areas of the tooth that are not protected by enamel. As a result, your teeth become more sensitive to anything cold or hot. In severe cases, the teeth may also become sensitive to sweet and sour food.
* Dry mouth- Certain medicines or disorders may lead to dryness of mouth in adults. Your dentist can recommend various ways to restore moisture in your mouth.
* Dentures- If you are already using dentures then you need to be extra careful. Regular visits to the dentist are a must for denture wearers to check if any problem arises.
* Gum diseases- People over 40 are more prone to gum diseases. There are several factors that can contribute to the development of gum diseases such as bad diet, poor oral hygiene, smoking, and diseases like diabetes, cancer and heart disease.
What you can do?
Apart from watching out for the above mentioned dental issues, there are several simple things that you can do to maintain sound oral health during old age as well. Here are a few tips.
* Brush your teeth twice daily using a good fluoride toothpaste.
* Floss regularly. Make sure that you use only ADA approved floss to avoid damage to your gums.
* Use an antibacterial mouthwash to gargle your mouth. This will help kill any bacteria in the mouth.
* Visit your dentist more often. Ideally, a visit to the dentist is recommended every six months. However, for people in the senior age bracket, should see a dentist every three months.
* If you experience even slight discomfort or pain in the mouth, consult your dentist at the earliest.
* Eat a healthy diet. Cut down on your sugar intake as too much of sugar can affect your overall dental health.
Senior age may not be synonymous with poor dental health. Just be a little more careful and you can live with healthy teeth till your last years.
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