Health > Seniors can use These Tips to Level up Their Dental Health Immediately
20th Jul 2022
Dentist Recommended top tips for Hassle-free Dental care
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Seniors can use These Tips to Level up Their Dental Health Immediately

Dental care isn’t always on the top of our minds as we age, but if you neglect it too long, your teeth and gums can suffer the consequences. Age-related changes to our mouths and bodies put us at higher risk of developing oral health problems like Dental caries, tooth decay, gum disease, dry mouth, and even tooth loss.

 

Prevalent Senior Dental Issues

Seniors are more vulnerable to oral diseases such as:

  • Teeth Discolouration – Dentin adjustments and years of consuming stain-causing foods and drinks can contribute to tooth discolouration. The dark colour, yellower dentin, shows through as dentin erodes. If you have darkened teeth, it could be evidence of a more severe issue requiring a professional teeth examination.
  • Dry mouth – It could be affected by many factors, including age, medications, and prolonged use of false teeth.
  • Root decay – When the gum tissue recedes, it exposes the tooth root. Since these roots lack dentin to safeguard them from damaging acid, they are more susceptible to microbes and deterioration, which results in root decay.
  • Gum Disease – A variety of health complications can contribute to gum disease in seniors. Plaque, long-term nicotine use, poor nutrition, various health problems (anaemia, diabetes, and cancer), ill-fitting false teeth, and ill-proportioned teeth bridges are prime reasons for gum disease in seniors.
  • Tooth Loss – Periodontal diseases increase your risk of tooth loss as you age.
  • Irregular Jawbone – When missing teeth are not replaced, the remaining teeth shift into accessible spacing, resulting in an irregular jawbone.
  • Sensitive Teeth – Sensitivity is a dental disorder that emerges with age. Periodontal disease can expose the oral root and the bone supporting the teeth. Anti-sensitivity toothpaste could help alleviate sensitive teeth ailments. If the problems continue, it could indicate a more critical matter, such as a fragmented or hollow tooth.
  • Denture-Induced Stomatitis – Poor oral hygiene, ill-fitting dentures, and Candida albicans accumulation can all cause Denture stomatitis (or oral stomatitis).
  • Thrush – Fungal (Candida albicans) infection overgrowth can result in white rashes inside the mouth called oral thrush or oropharyngeal candidiasis.

 

Dentists Encourage Dental Health in 6 Ways

1. Educate patients on how to daily floss correctly.

2. Arrange for routine check-ups and regular teeth cleanings. These appointments allow dentists to eliminate any built-up plaque or tartar and detect any early symptoms of dental issues.

3. Provide sealer as well as fluoride treatment options. Sealants can be used to fill in grooves on teeth that are vulnerable to decay, and fluoride treatments are available to help enhance tooth enamel.

4. Offer dental devices as needed. False teeth, bridges, and various implantable devices can help people rebuild their smiles.

5. Educate patients on good oral health practices. They must avoid drinking sweet beverages and eating solid foods that make teeth wear away. Furthermore, regular brushing twice a day should be impressed upon.

6. The Benefits of non-smoking behaviour to patients should be conveyed. Tobacco use has been linked to a higher risk of dental caries, problems, periodontitis, mouth cancer, and many other health issues. Giving up smoking is one of the best habit amendments a human can do for their oral and general health.

 

7 Endodontist Tips for Better Dental Health

1. Visit your dentist regularly. You can see your dentist every six or twelve months for an oral examination.

2. Maintain good dental care at home. It includes brushing twice a day, flossing once a day, and using an antibhttps://testing.emoha.com/blogs/health/all-you-need-to-know-about-senior-dental-careacterial mouthwash.

3. Eat healthy food. A more nutritious diet promotes the health of your teeth and gums. Sweetened snacks and beverages, which can contribute to tooth decay, should be avoided.

4. Stop smoking. Tobacco use harms your physical health, including your dental health, and smoking increases your odds of developing bad breath and losing teeth.

5. Keep your teeth safe from harm. Carry a mouthguard if you participate in sports or grind your teeth at night. And never use your teeth as a tool to open things.

6. Do not consume too much latte. These beverages contain acids that can wear down the enamel on your teeth and lead to cavities. Instead, drink water throughout the day. If you enjoy drinking these beverages, try sipping them through a straw, so they don’t come in contact with your teeth.

7. Use fluoride toothpaste whenever possible. Fluoride strengthens your teeth against bacteria and can help prevent dental caries or cavities.

 

What Creates Tooth Yellowing or Discolouration?

The porous outermost part of dentine on our teeth starts thinning as we age. It means allowing the innately yellow material underneath it, known as dentin, to become more visible. The thinner your enamel, the more dentin shows, resulting in yellowish shades to your teeth. Since enamel is usually absorbent, its microscopic gaps continue growing as we age, making the teeth even more prone to darkening.

Genetics also can influence how white our teeth appear. Some people are born with shiny or denser tooth enamel than others, and others have a narrower layer of enamel or innately darker teeth. However, apart from age, genetic makeup, or certain medications, our personal decisions can contribute to the discolouration and darkening of our teeth. For instance, smoking is a significant contributor to tooth discolouration. Frequent coffee, black tea, wine, and soda consumption can end up causing even good teeth to discolour over time.

 

Three Simple Methods to Whiten Teeth at Home

1. Utilise hydrogen peroxide. That’s right, the same stuff you use to disinfect cuts is also great for whitening teeth, and just be sure to dilute it. First, mix one-part hydrogen peroxide with two parts of water and only use it once or twice a week, so you don’t damage your enamel.

2. Brush with baking soda. Baking soda helps remove stains and brighten teeth. Dampen your toothbrush, dip it in baking soda, and brush away.

3. Eat crisp fruits and vegetables. Apples, celery, and carrots are not only beneficial for health, but they might also help remove blemishes from your teeth.

 

Conclusion

You should not give up your dental health just because you’re growing older. With the above-mentioned valuable tips, you can keep your smile bright and your teeth healthy well into your golden years.

 

FAQ

How could you help seniors care for their mouths and gums?

Brush lightly in small circular movements. Brush over each tooth and all along the gum line softly and cautiously. Brush the tongue gently to help maintain mouth hygiene.

 

Could 70 years old teeth be whitened?

Tooth whitening for seniors could be done at any age, according to dental hygienists. Tooth whitening toothpaste help gets rid of surface stains and lightens the enamel. You can also visit your dentist’s clinic for the same.

 

Why do the teeth turn yellow for the elderly?

The highly absorbent outermost part of enamel on our teeth starts thinning as we age. It enables the naturally yellow substance underneath it, known as dentin, to become more visible. The thinner your enamel, the more dentin shows, resulting in yellowish shades to your teeth.

 

How would you encourage dental health in the elderly?

Chew sugar-free candy containing gum to enhance salivary flow, particularly if you have dry mouth symptoms. If you have cases of chronic dry mouth, make an appointment with a doctor. Clean your teeth with fluoride toothpaste daily.

 

Should senior citizens utilise mouthwash?

Fluoride mouthwash should be included in the gentle dental care of seniors. Fluoride mouthwash could help in various ways, including preventing dental problems because fluoride is a natural mineral that reinforces the tough external coatings of teeth. It may even be able to counteract initial dental caries.