Oral health care has made huge strides in the last 50 years.
With more people practicing good dental and oral hygiene methods, people are keeping their adult teeth longer than at any other time in history. Naturally, this leads to a need for education about the importance of oral health for seniors.
Our teeth and mouth are in use by our body all the time. Our mouth is producing saliva that’s killing bacteria. That same saliva is helping rebuild and strengthen the enamel on your teeth. This is happening 24 hours a day, seven days a week. As we age and our bodies change, the production of saliva slows down. This creates a symptom commonly known as dry mouth. It’s important to recognize that if you’re suffering from dry mouth there’s a lot more at stake than just an uncomfortable feeling! You could be at a higher risk for infections and your tooth enamel could be weakening. Dry mouth is also a common side effect of a myriad of medications & treatments. While dry mouth is is treatable with over-the-counter medications you should discuss it with your doctor or dentist to ensure it’s not a symptom of another health problem..
An unavoidable aspect of simply having teeth is that they are constantly deteriorating. In the world of oral health, this is known as attrition. It’s simple wear and tear from tooth-to-tooth contact from chewing, sucking, talking and living. Because erosion of your teeth is unavoidable, good dental health is key in this war of attrition. That means regular dental visits are critical since attrition is usually only noticeable by your dentist or dental hygienist. You can avoid dental attrition by steering clear of carbonated and acidic beverages. Also, never brush your teeth immediately after drinking fluids with high acid concentration, this can actually wear away and weaken enamel. And, believe it or not, improper brushing technique when using your toothbrush can cause damage.
There are some super simple ways combat some of these common dental and oral health ailments. If you’re a tobacco user, stop. It’s bad for everything. Tobacco = Bad. Teeth = Good. It makes sense. Use an antibacterial mouthwash. This helps fight infection in cases where saliva production is reduced. If you can work more fluoride and hydration into your daily routine, you’ll also be doing your oral and dental health a great service.
The importance of good oral health care for seniors is going to become more prevalent as humans continue to extend their life expectancy. Of course, regular brushing, flossing and visits to the dentist will help maintain a healthy mouth through all phases of aging. Be sure you establish a great oral health routine.
If you or someone you know is having issues with their oral or dental health, reach out to the us here at Eldercare Services. We’re a great resource to help you with any of the issues faced by aging adults.