1. Keep dry
mouth at bay
Dry
mouth is a huge cause of dental problems in aging people. Even though dry mouth
doesn’t seem to have anything to with aging, it does make our mouths resemble
the Sahara Desert. There is something in most medicine cabinets, that causes
this effect. Most seniors are on at least one prescription medication. While
these are great for keeping you alive, dry mouth is one of the most common
side-effects. Moreover, dry mouth aids the growth of bacteria and speeds up the
process of getting a cavity. Whoops!
2.
Antibacterial mouthwash is a must
As
you age, it takes less and less getting under your skin to get you sick. Your
mouth is a breeding ground for bacteria of all kinds. The good news? These
bacteria have nowhere to go most of the time. However, if you open little
lesions in your gums after you brush or floss, you could be exposing yourself
to more germs than you think. A great way to strike back at this is to use an
antibacterial mouthwash before or during your oral hygiene routine. Even if you
knick your gums flossing, no germs will enter your bloodstream, because they’re
all washed away.
3. Increase
fluoride
Dental
care for seniors often revolves around helping them preserve as much good
quality, natural teeth as they can. One of the best tools for this is fluoride.
Currently, many cities are adding it to their water supply, and it’s working
wonders. Not only is it odorless and tasteless, fluoride also helps to keep
your enamel thick and strong. The thicker your enamel, the more it will take
for a cavity to break all the way through. If you can’t stand the thought of
drinking tap water, get access to filtered or sparkling water instead.
4. Avoid
tobacco
If
you’re still using tobacco as a senior, there’s nothing more to say. You’ve
heard everything that every doctor has said about leaving tobacco behind.
Whether you’re a cigarette smoker or you prefer to chew doesn’t matter. All
forms of tobacco put you at increased risk of mouth and throat cancer. By the
time these are caught, it’s frequently too late. While there may be nothing a
dentist for seniors can say about quitting that you haven’t heard, there still
may be. Sometimes losing their smile is the last straw that prompts people to
quit.
5. Always be
upfront with your dentist
This
one is simple. Tell your dentist about your diagnosis and needs. If they ask if
you take medication, tell them. Some procedures are tougher than others. It’s
sometimes recommended that you take antibiotics before a difficult procedure.
This can only happen if you’re honest with your dentist.
Finding a dentist for seniors can be a chore. While you’re
looking for senior dental care, follow these tips. The better you take care of
your teeth, the less the chance that you’ll have to come to the dentist in the
first place. That’s a cause we can all get behind.
