Dental Care Tips for Seniors
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Advances in medical technology have brought many improvements to effective dental care. However, as we age we cannot avoid discoloration and corrosion of our teeth, which might require prosthetic treatment or implants. Today, we will find out how to take care of our teeth in our old age in order to keep them strong as long as possible.
Dental Care for Seniors
Brush regularly!
In old age, it is even more important to keep your mouth clean and prevent the growth of bacteria. The first step is to brush your teeth well. When brushing your teeth, you should completely remove the food residue left in your mouth. This will prevent the spread of germs and reduce the formation of tartar. In addition, it is recommended to use a toothbrush or finger to massage your gums to ensure steady blood circulation.
Use soft, mild toothpaste!
As you get older, your mouth becomes fragile and might produce less saliva depending on your age or what medication you take. This can cause problems such as stomatitis (inflammation) or dry mouth. Therefore, choosing the correct toothpaste becomes very important in old age. Seniors should use light and mild toothpaste rather than spicy or tingly toothpaste to make brushing more comfortable. Toothpaste containing irritating ingredients such as synthetic materials or substances harmful to the human body can cause hospitalization or worsen pain. Using the wrong toothpaste can make your mouth even drier after brushing, which increases bad breath. Make sure to check the ingredients when choosing the right toothpaste for you.
If you lose your teeth, get prosthetic treatment right away!
Most people accept that losing your teeth is an inevitable occurrence as you age. However, as common as this situation might be, it’s imperative that you receive treatment right away! If not, you increase your risk of dementia! Actually, chewing food stimulates your brain and increases blood flow. If we don’t chew regularly due to cavities or tooth loss, our memory function will be reduced, and in severe cases, brain cells may age more rapidly, increasing the likelihood of developing dementia. Therefore, if you have a dental problem, don’t hesitate to get treatment right away.
Take care of your dentures properly!
Many people use dentures in their old age. Dentures should also be brushed three times a day just like teeth. If we treat them as something precious and keep them clean, we can use them for a long time. Regular kitchen detergents contain synthetic ingredients and are not suitable for cleaning your dentures. Instead, use special toothpaste and make sure to brush your dentures after meals. In fact, resin dentures are weaker in strength than natural teeth. If you just use any normal toothpaste, you might end up damaging your dentures since they contain abrasive ingredients. Dentures must only be cleaned with toothpaste exclusively for dentures without abrasive ingredients. It is also a good idea to soak your dentures in cold water while your sleep to give your gums and gum bones a break.
We know that getting older can be scary but it doesn’t have to be! The more knowledge you have, the easier it’ll be to age gracefully. Now you’re familiar with how to take care of your teeth so that you can keep them for a long time. In the case where you need dentures, now you have a better idea of how to take care of them. See you next time!