admin
Nov 07, 2024
Ageing is not something that individuals enjoy. Most people want to look younger than their age and undergo various cosmetic treatments to maintain a youthful appearance. While they take a lot of care of their skin and body, they often forget about their teeth. These important parts of our bodies help us smile and consume food. However, they, too, get old with time and must be tended to like other body parts to stop them from weakening.
Constant chewing and biting erode the enamel, and low immunity due to old age makes teeth and gums susceptible to infections. Many seniors suffer from gum problems, sensitivity, cavities, bad breath, and loose teeth. They must regularly visit dentists in Hope Island for restorative treatments that can increase the longevity of teeth and keep the gums and jaw bone healthy. In addition, aged people should follow the tips below to keep their teeth healthy. These are helpful in maintaining optimum dental health.
1. Old Age and Oral Health
Our mouth is used throughout the day and has to bear the burden of long-term wear and tear as we age. It is natural for teeth and gums to become weak in the later years because cells in the body take longer to regenerate, and tissues get thinner. In addition, bone density is lowered, and immunity is decreased, which reduces the ability of the body to fight infections. Also, many have diabetes and arthritis, which take a toll on oral health. As a result, most seniors suffer from cavities, mouth sores, dry mouth, gum recession, sensitive teeth and tooth loss. They can avoid these ailments by ensuring an effective oral hygiene routine.
2. Continue Brushing Routine With New Tools
Brushing and flossing daily should not be compromised for any other important task. Adults above 50 should brush gently to avoid putting too much pressure on teeth with eroded enamel. They must use an electric toothbrush, as it can easily reach the back teeth and other remote corners in the mouth. These have an in-built timer that ensures teeth are cleaned effectively. Seniors must ensure they floss once a day to remove debris stuck between teeth and reduce the risk of tooth decay.
3. Brighten Your Smile With Teeth Whitening
Older adults commonly have yellow or stained teeth because of years of consuming tea, coffee and red wine. Also, the erosion of the enamel exposes the dentin, which makes teeth look yellow. Thus, visiting your professional dentist in Hope Island for professional teeth cleaning that helps remove plaque is vital. They also perform teeth whitening to bring back the shine of ageing teeth. The whitening treatments are non-invasive, quick and easy to manage.
4. Seniors Must Keep The Mouth Moist
Many people over the age of 65 suffer from health issues like high blood pressure, diabetes, respiratory conditions, depression, etc. They have to take regular medication to keep the condition from getting worse. Many of these medicines cause a dry mouth because of low saliva production. A dry mouth leads to bad breath and increases the risk of gum disease and cavities. Therefore, older people must consume water throughout the day to keep their mouths moist. They can also use an alcohol-free mouthwash to reduce bad breath.
5. Change Your Diet to Preserve Your Teeth
We are what we eat! Thus, paying attention to what we put in our mouths is essential. While giving in to the temptations of the tastebuds is easy, it should be avoided when you are above 65 years old. Expert Hope Island dentists recommend maintaining a well-balanced diet of fresh fruits and vegetables. Seniors should avoid starchy, sticky and deep-fried foods, packed juices, and soda. It can also help with the prevention of tooth sensitivity.
6. Look Out for Gum Disease
Gum disease begins with the inflammation and bleeding of gums and can become a severe condition that causes tooth loss due to gum recession. It is a common problem among seniors because they ignore the signs of gum disease. The reason behind this problem is the accumulation of plaque over the gum line that practitioners can only remove. So, if your gums are swollen, red and sensitive, you must visit your dentist.
7. Stay Away from Tobacco
Oral cancer is common among senior Australians, and the number of diagnoses has increased in Queensland. The lethal disease can occur in and around the mouth, including inside walls of the cheeks, tongue, roof of the mouth, lips, gums, and throat. Older people who smoke are at higher risk of developing oral cancer. Thus, it is vital to quit smoking because it can cost you your life and affect your family members adversely. They should also reduce alcohol consumption and use a lip balm with sunscreen when going out. Visiting your dentist in Hope Island for regular check-ups can help in early detection of the problem.
Wrapping Up
Age is just a number! Most individuals who have entered their senior stage of life still feel young at heart. They can continue to enjoy the same life they have been living until now by keeping their body and mouth healthy. The tips above can help them maintain a healthy lifestyle and teeth.
