admin
Aug 07, 2023
The population of ageing adults is on the rise across Australia. In 2021, every 1 in 6 people in Queensland was aged above 65 years. The number of older adults rose by 21.3% in the state in the last two decades.
Most seniors suffer from health issues like arthritis, hypertension, vision problems, high cholesterol, diabetes, cancer, etc. In addition, they have age-related dental problems, such as gum recession, tooth decay, gum disease and tooth loss.
Implants and dentures are common dental treatments needed by ageing adults because of the occurrence of periodontal disease. It erodes the tissue supporting the tooth and leads to tooth loss. However, if seniors take care of their teeth, these problems can be prevented.
Here is a list of dental care tips for ageing adults to keep teeth healthy for the longest time. It is vital to follow these suggestions for maintaining your self-esteem and chewing, biting and speaking perfectly.
1. Brushing Natural Teeth Unfailingly
Older people cannot maintain a regular tooth cleaning routine because of age-related problems like dementia, arthritis, etc. Poor oral health damages teeth and gums and leads to tooth loss. Thus, they must brush in the morning and at night to remove bacteria and acids present in the mouth.
Reputed dentists Hope Island recommend using fluoridated toothpaste on natural teeth and an electric toothbrush if they are too frail to use a normal brush properly. They should also floss daily to remove the food debris in their mouth.
2. Massage Gums With Antibacterial Products
Older people must pay extra attention to their gums because of their vulnerability to developing gum disease. Expert Hope Island dentists recommend using antibacterial products containing chlorhexidine, which has mild strength and no alcohol. It removes bacteria present in the mouth, and a very small amount must be massaged over teeth.
It should not be used immediately after brushing because the toothpaste may contain sodium lauryl sulphate, which can reduce the effectiveness of the product. Older adults must take a pea-sized amount of the product and apply it over their gums at least two hours after brushing. It can be done in the daytime after they have had their meal.
3. Cleaning Dentures With Care
If the person uses dentures, they must remove them at night to avoid fungal infections in the mouth and denture plaque. They must be cleaned with a denture brush, mild soap and water in a bowl without scratching the surfaces. They should avoid using fluoridated toothpaste on dentures because it can be abrasive.
Older people must clean their tongues and rinse their mouths to remove food debris left over the gums. The dentures must be stored in cold water overnight and handled carefully with clean hands to avoid infections.
4. Do Not Let The Mouth Become Dry
Older adults should not keep their mouths dry for too long. Saliva present in the mouth saves our teeth from bacteria growth. Since many seniors take medicines regularly for various health issues, they are susceptible to developing a dry mouth. It not only gives an unpleasant feeling but also leads to bacterial growth.
Thus, seasoned dentists in Hope Island suggest drinking water frequently and rinsing the mouth after every meal and snack. The elder people should also keep their lips moist with the help of a natural moisturiser. They must also reduce their consumption of coffee and sugary drinks to keep their mouths moist.
5. Avoid Sugary Foods and Beverages
Since diabetes is a common disease among elders, seniors must reduce their sugar consumption drastically. They must avoid sticky, starchy and sugary foods like cakes, biscuits, candies, chips and chocolates. These products have high sugar content and can quickly get stuck to the teeth to cause cavities.
Maintaining a healthy and balanced diet that is easy to digest and does not cause acid reflux or constipation is best. Seniors must include fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy products in their meals. They can slice the hard fruits to reduce the pressure on their teeth and dentures.
6. Abstain from Tobacco and Alcohol
Smoking is damaging to the lungs, teeth and gums. People above 65 years of age should refrain from tobacco and nicotine because it increases the risk of mouth cancer. Alcohol consumption and smoking are responsible for tooth decay, staining and gum disease because of the erosion of the tooth enamel. They also lead to bad breath and dry mouth, which is not ideal for seniors, given their age.
Ageing adults are vulnerable to gingivitis and gum recession that exposes the root and leads to damage due to bacteria build-up. Thus, they must quit smoking and drink occasionally to keep their mouths healthy.
7. Seniors Must Visit the Dentist Regularly
Lastly, older people must visit their dentist every six months without fail. At their age, it is crucial to avoid missing appointments because it helps to identify problems at an early stage.
Periodontitis, mouth ulcers, canker sores, and oral cancer can be detected and treated quickly by practitioners with the help of regular examination. The instructions for teeth and gum care provided by dentists can help avert bigger problems and keep toothache at bay.
Wrapping Up
Older people must care for their natural teeth and keep their dentures clean and hygienic. They should follow a healthy lifestyle, diet plan, and medication to maintain their well-being and oral health. Also, consulting the dentist in Hope Island often is a must.
