Dental care for senior citizens: when some people get into their 60s and they are no longer having to go to work every day or shuffle the kids around all of the time, they tend to overlook their health and wellness as a whole. In reality, you should do the opposite, especially when it comes to your dental health. As you get older, your Teeth and gums inevitably have more “wear and tear” on them than when you were younger.

This means that you actually need to be even more aware of your oral health, and take the necessary steps to keep your teeth and gums clean. Doctors recommend that you brush your teeth twice a day for approximately two minutes. It’s important to brush gently and thoroughly but don’t overbrush. Brushing too hard (or using a toothpaste that is too abrasive) can actually wear down your teeth enamel, which isn’t good.

5 Tips for dental Care for senior citizens

You should still be flossing every day

Flossing is such a simple habit, yet many people don’t do it. Most estimates put adults who floss daily between 30-50%. Flossing removes small food particles, debris, and bacteria from between your teeth, and can be done in less than a minute.

If you’re a senior, and you’ve never made flossing part of your daily oral hygiene routine, get started now.

If you wear removable dentures, keep them clean

Many seniors are opting to replace their removable dentures with a fixed denture or dental implants (more on that below). However, if you currently wear a removable denture, it’s important to clean it daily, since any bacteria or debris on your denture will likely come into contact with your gums, which could increase your chances of getting gum disease.

Even if you already have gum disease, you still want to care for your dentures appropriately, as gum disease can quickly accelerate into a more advanced stage called periodontal disease, which can, in turn, lead to a wide variety of health issues.

Stay hydrated (and avoid dry mouth)

It’s not uncommon for senior citizens (especially men) to use the bathroom more in their old age. As a result, some senior citizens actively try to drink less so they won’t have to go as often.

While this is certainly understandable, staying adequately hydrated is not only important for your overall health, it’s important for your dental health as well.

In addition to upping your water intake, you may want to talk with your doctor to see if any of your medications may cause dry mouth, and if there are any other alternative medications you can try instead.

If you’re missing one or more teeth, discuss dental implants with a dentist

Many seniors are missing one or more teeth. In some cases, this is due to years of neglect or poor dental hygiene, and in other cases, it can simply be attributed to wear and tear over the years, as well as genetics.
The reason you’re missing your teeth isn’t that important, but what is important is getting the care and treatment you need to replace your missing teeth.

If you’re missing one or more teeth, you are probably suffering from one of the following issues:

● A lack of self-confidence. You don’t want to smile because you don’t want others to see your missing or decaying teeth.

● A sunken look in your face. Teeth provide structure for our faces, and when several teeth are missing, it can change the symmetry and structure of the face. Dental implants can help to restore your natural smile and make you look younger.

● Difficulty in eating certain foods. It’s impossible to eat certain foods when you’re missing teeth (or even if you have dentures). Dental implants are titanium screws that provide the same anchoring effect as a natural tooth root. The result is you can eat just about anything you want without worrying if your teeth will shift.

Dental implants are an ideal solution for many seniors.

Limit your soft drink intake

It’s no secret that alcohol and tobacco products are bad for your teeth and gums, but so are soft drinks. Listen, we’re not saying that you shouldn’t ever drink a soft drink again, but you should be aware that some of them are highly acidic, and that acid can wear down your enamel over time.

In addition to soft drinks, many citrus fruits are also high in acid content and should be consumed in moderation.

The post Senior Healthcare | 5 Tips For Dental Care For Senior Citizens appeared first on Unmukt Festival 2018.