Oral health is pertinent for people of all ages. However, it becomes challenging to maintain the routine you learned as a kid as you get older. Brushing and flossing twice a day becomes more of a chore when you have other health issues and stressors to consider. About one in four adults over the age of 75 have lost all-natural teeth, primarily due to gum disease and tooth decay.
You can take steps to keep a healthy mouth at any age. While changing routines is expected as you age, keeping a clean mouth is crucial to maintaining a healthy life. Gum disease and tooth decay don’t have to coincide with getting older. Good dental habits could help prevent infection, tooth decay, and loss of teeth. Read on to discover four ways to keep your smile as you age.
1. Stay Hydrated:
Water is the most nourishing beverage for your body. It can prevent dehydration and lubricates your muscles and joints and also helps maintain excellent oral health. Many dental experts recommend drinking a glass of water after every meal. Doing this will help wash away the lingering, adverse effects of acidic foods and beverages on your teeth and gums.
2. Brush and Floss Daily:
Brushing and flossing twice a day might be a bit of a nuisance, but such habits are critical to a healthy mouth. Avoid using toothbrushes with hard bristles and opt for soft or medium brushes. When it comes to floss, thicker threads work better than the thin styles because it’s less likely to break as you maneuver it through your teeth. You’ll also want to find fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride is the natural mineral that strengthens tooth enamel and protects it against decay.
3. Rinse with Antiseptic Mouthwash Daily:
Further to brushing and flossing, rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash builds better oral health. Antiseptic mouthwash helps prevent infection by helping to break down plaque build-up around the teeth. It will also loosen up those tiny hidden food particles to make it easier to brush and floss.
4. Brush the Tongue:
Did you know that plaque has a tendency to build upon the tongue, too? An abundance of plaque not only creates bad breath but can also contribute to tooth decay, gingivitis, and can increase your risk of heart disease and stroke. When you’re brushing those pearly whites, don’t forget to give your tongue a little brush.
What To Do When You Want a Change?
Sometimes tooth loss is inevitable, particularly for older adults. People lose teeth for many reasons, including aging, accidents, and more. Are you unhappy with the way you look because of missing teeth? The good news is that there’s a solution. Your best bet is to contact your local denturist who can replace those missing teeth with high-quality dentures.
If you feel self-conscious about any gaps within your mouth, fitting dentures will fix that issue immediately. While you will continue to brush and floss with dentures, don’t forget to ask your denturist how to keep your dentures clean with the right denture care products.
Oral health is a lifelong endeavor, and it takes a little bit of work every day. Try these tips to improve your overall health today.
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