Dental care is extremely important, not just for your appearance, but also for your health. According to the World Health Organization, people over the age of 65 are at an increased risk of developing oral diseases. This is why it is essential that you take preventive measures against gingivitis and periodontitis (which can lead to tooth loss). If you want to know more about brushing your teeth in old age or keeping a healthy smile as an elder, continue reading this article!
What is the importance of Dental Care in old age?
When we are young, we are usually more concerned about our teeth and gums being too sensitive. In old age, teeth-related issues become more dangerous. There are many reasons why dental care is more important in old age. When you are old, you are more at risk of developing certain oral diseases that can lead to tooth loss if they are not treated. And other diseases can also cause pain, which can reduce your quality of life.
There is also a higher risk of infection in the elderly due to a compromised immune system, which can lead to other complications if left untreated. And some medications, like anti-anxiety drugs, can increase your risk of developing dry mouth. This can increase your risk of cavities and caries because saliva helps to remineralize your teeth.
Oral Health and Dental Care for Elders
One of the most common oral diseases in elders is gingivitis or missing teeth. This is an inflammation of the gums that can be treated with daily brushing and flossing. Most people think that gingivitis is normal in the elderly. However, this is a misconception because it can be avoided by taking care of your teeth. In missing teeth cases, dental implants with fixed teeth can be done.
Another oral disease that is common in the elderly is periodontitis. Periodontitis is an infection in your gums and bones around your teeth. If not treated, it can lead to tooth loss. Therefore, it is important to keep your mouth and gums healthy by visiting your dentist regularly. It also important to take care of your dentures if you wear them. Cleaning your dentures daily will help to prevent plaque and other bacteria growing on them.
Brush Your Teeth for Better Oral Health in Old Age
The first step to better oral health for elders is by brushing your teeth properly. For the best results, you should brush your teeth for 2 minutes, twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. You can also use an electric toothbrush, which cleans teeth more thoroughly than a manual toothbrush. This helps with keeping good dental car.
You should also use floss daily to prevent build-up of bacteria in between your teeth. Another important step for oral health is to visit your dentist every 6 months for a dental checkup. At the dental checkup, your dentist will examine your gums and teeth to check for any signs of disease.
If any problems are found, they can be treated at the same visit. This will prevent them from getting worse and eventually causing tooth loss.
Dental Checkups for Elderly People
If you are 65 or over, you should visit a dentist regularly, even if you don’t have any problems. That’s because you are more likely to have oral health issues compared to younger people.
There are a few reasons why dental checkups with care are important in old age: –
To prevent oral diseases. If a dental disease is caught early, it is easier to treat. If left untreated, oral diseases can get worse and can result in tooth loss.
It prevents infections. Dental infections can spread to your lymph nodes and bloodstream. This can put you at risk of complications and can even be fatal.
To catch problems early. If a problem is caught early, it is easier to treat. This can save you from losing teeth and can improve your quality of life.
Tips to keep Teeth Healthy as Geriatric
If you want to keep your teeth and gums healthy as an elder, there are a few things you can do. First, you should avoid sugary drinks, such as soda. These can increase the risk of tooth decay and caries. You should also avoid smoking and chewing tobacco, as these can increase the risk of tooth decay and periodontitis. You should also make sure you are getting enough nutrients, such as calcium and vitamin D, which can help to keep teeth healthy. And lastly, you can use natural products to whiten your teeth, such as baking soda, coconut oil, and activated charcoal.
Conclusion
Overall, dental care is extremely important, not just for your appearance, but also for your health. When we are young, we are usually more concerned about our teeth being too sensitive. In old age, tooth-related issues become more dangerous. And some diseases can even cause pain which can reduce your quality of life. If you want to keep your teeth healthy in old age, you should brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, use floss daily, and visit your dentist for a regular dental checkup. You can also use natural products to whiten your teeth, such as baking soda, coconut oil, and activated charcoal. With these tips, you can keep your teeth healthy as an elder.
