Health > Dental Care Tips for Senior Citizens
16th Sep 2022
Dental Care Tips
Health

Dental Care Tips for Senior Citizens

Why Dental Caries are important for seniors? 

Certain oral health disorders affect seniors of 60 years and above. These dental problems may be highly hurtful to seniors, notwithstanding how severe they are for anyone. According to studies, periodontal disease—also known as an inflammation of the gums surrounding the teeth—affects 70.1% of seniors aged 65 and above. The outstanding dental clinics offer a wide range of treatment care for seniors. Seniors who receive the proper dental treatment can quickly overcome oral health issues.                                                                                                                                                    

5 Ways to Maintain Oral Health for Senior citizens 

1. Regularly Floss

Daily flossing is strongly advised for seniors because it is the most efficient approach to removing any food particles that may have gotten stuck between the teeth. Regular flossing promotes good oral health and guards against bacteria and decay-induced illnesses. Using dental floss may occasionally be challenging for seniors, and a tooth floss container, floss picks, or water flosser can be used as a remedy for this issue. 

2. Employ Mouthwash 

One of the most effective methods to maintain a clean mouth is mouthwash. However, certain rinses can be excessive, harming the mouth’s pH balance and leading to dryness. People over the age of 60 are more likely to experience dry mouth, and dentists advise against using mouthwash excessively. Do so by rinsing your mouth with alcohol-free water after eating or before going to bed. 

3. Abstain From Tobacco 

Seniors must abstain from tobacco use as much as possible. Smokers are more likely to acquire gum disease and oral infections than non-smokers. In addition to all the harmful effects tobacco has on your lips, it can deteriorate your general physical health as well. Your chances of developing tooth infections increase as you smoke more. Oral treatment should always be a priority for seniors to have healthy lifestyles. Smoking tobacco is harmful and dangerous for your health if you smoke cigarettes, cigars, pipes, or vapes. 

4. Track Any Drug’s Side Effects on oral health 

Make sure the medications your doctor prescribes won’t harm your oral health if you’re taking any medicine. Several drugs might lead to oral problems, including dry mouth. A dry mouth is more than just a minor oral issue; it may also cause serious oral health issues, including increasing gum disease and tooth decay. 

5. Avoid Soda and Drink Water Instead

The most efficient and cost-effective strategy to maintain good health is to drink enough water. Getting enough water daily may help you stay healthy and strengthen your immune system. Too many sugary beverages and sodas will make your mouth more acidic, which can lead to cavities & tooth loss. Your body will benefit more from drinking water than soda in terms of health. Dentists advise seniors to replace the germs and harmful acid in their mouths with water to maintain healthy oral health. 

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Conclusion

Regardless of your age, your general health & quality of life are directly impacted by your oral health. This is particularly true for seniors, who may have more severe health consequences due to oral health problems and disease. 

FAQs  

How many teeth are there in seniors over 65? 

Seniors over 65 have an average of 18.90 teeth remaining. Seniors are more likely to lose teeth, and they must be careful to practice good oral hygiene to prevent tooth loss. 

Are seniors more likely to lose their teeth? 

Yes, seniors are more likely to lose teeth. Seniors need to be extra careful to practice good oral hygiene and care to prevent tooth loss. 

Are seniors in danger of neglecting their dentures? 

Seniors are frequently at risk of neglecting their dentures, which can result in various oral health issues as the dentures may not fit correctly. Plaque can readily accumulate underneath a denture, irritating the mucosa and gums. 

Does tooth loss put elderly persons at risk for dementia? 

A recent study released in the Journal of the American Medical Directors Association found that seniors with tooth loss had a greater risk of cognitive decline and dementia, with the risk rising with each lost tooth. 

How tooth losses can be avoided in seniors? 

Good oral hygiene is the most excellent strategy to stop tooth loss. Encourage a senior family member to floss and clean their teeth each day. Help them maintain their teeth clean if they are unable to do so on their own, or obtain assistance, so they can clean on their own.