As we age, maintaining good oral health should continue to be of priority to avoid cavities or decay of teeth. Taking excellent care of our teeth and gums should be a consistent lifetime habit regardless of age. Seniors are however more susceptible to oral conditions such as gum disease or tooth decay due to a deterioration in teeth health or a dip in maintenance. Nonetheless, they need to maintain oral health in their golden years to enhance their overall quality of life.
When you or your loved ones neglect oral health and hygiene, dental health can become complicated which then requires more maintenance and care. To avoid major health complications and concerns, you should adopt good dental care practices. Read on as we share tips on how you or your loved ones can maintain your oral health!
Brush Daily
When consuming all kinds of food and beverages, small bits and pieces can get stuck in the teeth, and if you do not have a habit of brushing your teeth daily, the residue stuck in the teeth can develop into germs and bacteria, eventually causing you a tooth decay or ache.
Doctors often advise that everyone brush their teeth twice a day minimally – once in the morning and once before heading to bed – to get rid of any pieces of food stuck in the teeth, and of course to maintain good oral hygiene. For you or your loved ones looking to improve their dental care, you can start by making this practice a good habit, and should you be feeling it, you can even brush your teeth in between meals.
Consume Less Sugary Foods
Sugary foods often lead to cavities which in turn causes other conditions like tooth decay and worse, gum disease. When left alone or untreated, severe complications can happen which then calls a need for surgeries or modifications.
For the sweet-toothed, perhaps consider consuming less sugary foods if you or your loved ones are not confident of maintaining proper oral hygiene after consuming them. Otherwise, be sure to brush your teeth often especially after having a sweet treat to prevent the cavities from forming. Imagine eating chocolate right before bed without brushing your teeth! The bacteria will culminate and cause dire consequences to your teeth with time.
Avoid Tobacco
A common side effect of using tobacco over a prolonged period is having stained teeth. When left untreated, tobacco can cause tooth decay, rotting, and more which often leads to mouth cancer, heart disease, and other life-threatening conditions. Why else do you think cigarette packets depict decayed teeth at the very front?
Make A Trip to the Dental
For you or your loved ones in the golden years, consider adhering to scheduled visits to the dentist from time to time. This will allow the dentist the identify any issues and rectify them immediately. Not visiting the dentist at all will allow your oral problems to worsen with time and lead to more complicated issues. You or your loved ones should make an appointment with the dentist at least twice a year so you can consult the dentist for oral advice or pertaining questions related to your teeth.
With the Assisted Living option for our retirement community at Seaton Hagerstown, you or your loved ones can receive a helping hand in areas where they require assistance, such as maintaining good oral hygiene. We deliver practical and personalized programs for the retirement community, so you or your loved ones can place your trust in our professional team. Contact us for more information on our senior assisted living option today!
