
Oral health іs essential tо overall well-being, yet especially vital for seniors. Receiving regular dental exams and cleanings allows early detection оf issues like gum disease оr cavities.
For specialized senior dental care іn Florida, consider contacting Dental Team FL. Selecting a dentist that specializes іn geriatric dentistry and using adaptive tools for brushing and flossing will make dental care simpler, as will considering Medicare Advantage plans with dental coverage.
1. Brush Daily
As you age, good oral care practices remain essential. These practices include daily brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste for two minutes. An electric toothbrush may speed up this process while helping avoid gum tissue irritation.
Flossing remains essential in order to remove plaque from areas your toothbrush cannot reach, such as between your teeth. Use an interdental flossing tool like TePe brushes or easy flossers which are easier for seniors with limited dexterity to use. Mouthwash can also help reduce bacteria that cause plaque accumulation while washing away food debris from your mouth.
Gum disease is more prevalent among senior citizens, and can lead to tooth loss and health problems like heart disease. You can reduce your risk by brushing and flossing regularly as well as eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, protein, and dairy. If missing teeth exist, dental implants or dentures may provide effective replacement solutions that restore function, aesthetics, and confidence.
2. Floss Daily
While brushing twice daily is key, flossing daily also plays an integral part in eliminating food debris and preventing plaque buildup. The ideal time and method for flossing should be prior to brushing your teeth; this ensures no food remains between or underneath your gum line and between your teeth. Tongue scrapers or mouthwash may be utilized to eliminate bad breath, reduce inflammation or remove surface stains on gums.
Seniors should make an extra effort to maintain healthy teeth by eating healthier snacks between meals. Sugary or starchy snacks break down into acid, eroding away enamel and creating cavities in teeth, making healthy alternatives such as cheese, yogurt or firm fruits better options to maintain oral hygiene and lower the risk of tooth decay.
Seniors who struggle with dexterity issues may need additional dental tools in order to continue flossing regularly. KelseyCare Advantage's comprehensive geriatric dental care service offers valuable insights for adapting an effective oral hygiene regimen.
3. Schedule Regular Checkups
Dental health is integral to overall wellness, as tooth decay, gum disease and other issues associated with oral care can have serious ramifications for overall wellness. Therefore, seniors must follow an extensive oral care routine and visit their dentist regularly for scheduled check-ups.
Seniors should visit their dentist every six months for professional teeth cleaning and exams to maintain optimal oral health and avoid further oral health complications from developing. Even if medications or health conditions hinder chewing or swallowing ability, seniors must remain compliant with these appointments to remain on track with maintaining oral hygiene.
Regular dental checkups enable dentists to identify issues in the early stages and reduce risks and costs over time. This is especially true for elderly individuals who may require dentures or bridges; otherwise, infrequent visits could allow small dental issues to multiply into costly and time-consuming treatments.
4. Schedule an Appointment with Your Dentist
Good oral health is integral to overall wellness. Poor dental hygiene has been linked with numerous medical problems -- from heart disease and respiratory illnesses, to digestive health problems.
Regular dental check-ups allow your dentist to detect problems early and implement preventative measures, like fluoride treatments and dental implants, that will lower the risk of tooth decay and related complications.
If you cannot afford regular visits to the dentist, your local dental society may provide assistance programs or low-cost options such as public health clinics and dental school clinics. You can locate these options by calling your society directly or searching online.
Visit a dentist with experience treating seniors. Typically, this can be easily determined from their website and many dentists offer phone appointments which may make life easier for those with physical limitations.