The importance of dental health for seniors

Dental care is key at every age, but as you age, like many health areas, your mouth and teeth require a little more TLC to keep healthy. The most important thing you can do is continue to see your dentist at least twice a year for regular cleaning and check-ups.

Even with regular brushing and flossing, there are some issues you may run into as you age:

• Cavities and tooth decay
• Gum disease
• Tooth loss
• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia).

Some key things you can do at home to help keep your teeth and gums health include:

• Regular brushing and flossing twice a day
• Using mouth wash after brushing
• Purchase a water pick to help you clean between your teeth and under the gums
  • For those unfamiliar, this device is like a little pressure washer for your teeth.

If you have full or partial dentures:

• Clean them twice a day, every day as tartar and plaque can still build up on them like natural teeth
• Soaking them overnight in a tray and denture solution will help them stay fresh and clean
• Use a soft bristle tooth brush on your gums, this will make sure they are clean under your dentures and will prevent gum disease or infections.

Be sure to visit your dentist on a regular basis. Combine with great daily dental care this will help you find any underlying problems and keep your teeth and gums health for many years. Issues can arise that are unseen and dentists have the tools and knowledge to catch problems when they are easy to reverse.

For some more great tips and resources look at the following links:

• Dental Care for Seniors: http://www.cda-adc.ca/en/oral_health/cfyt/dental_care_seniors/
• Oral Health For Seniors: http://www.colgate.com/en/us/oc/oral-health/life-stages/oral-care-age-55-up/article/oral-health-for-seniors