Practical Medical Tips for Seniors on Taking Care of Their Teeth
4 min readAs you age, your body changes in many ways. This includes the way that you take care of your teeth. It is important for seniors to be aware of the best ways to keep their teeth healthy and strong as they age. This article will discuss some practical tips for senior citizens on how to take care of their teeth!
Do Frequent Checkups
As you age, it is very important to maintain your health, which is done by visiting a doctor. The dentists working at www.boutiquedental.co.nz know how important it is to take good care of your teeth, especially as a senior. Checkups can detect any changes in your mouth, which could be indicative of a more serious problem.
Make sure to visit a dentist once every six months. This will prevent any major problems from developing and will allow the dentist to catch any issues early on. For example, senior citizens are more susceptible to gum disease, which can lead to tooth loss. By visiting the dentist regularly, seniors can avoid this outcome.
Brush Twice A Day
It’s absolutely essential to brush your teeth twice a day if you want to keep them healthy as you age. brushing once a day simply isn’t enough to remove all the plaque and bacteria that can accumulate, so make sure to set aside time for a good two-minute brushing session in the morning and before bed.
If possible, use an electric toothbrush, as they’re more effective at removing plaque than manual brushes. For example, brushing your teeth after every meal is a great way to prevent cavities.
While brushing your teeth, be sure to use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste and focus on brushing the front, top, and back of your teeth. Don’t forget to brush your tongue as well. This will help freshen your breath and remove any bacteria that are hiding there.
Floss Regularly
You should also never forget to floss your teeth regularly. This is important not just for maintaining good oral health, but also for preventing gum disease. Gum disease is a serious problem that can lead to tooth loss, and it’s especially common in seniors. By flossing regularly, you can remove plaque and bacteria from your teeth and gums, which will help keep your mouth healthy.
To floss properly, you should use about 18 inches of floss. Wrap most of the floss around your middle fingers, and hold it tightly between your thumbs and index fingers. Gently insert the floss between your teeth using a back-and-forth motion. Be careful not to snap the floss into your gums. When you reach the gumline, curve the floss into a C shape and slide it up and down against the tooth.
Rinse Them With Mouthwash
Rinsing your teeth with mouthwash is a great way to keep them, as well as your gums healthy. It’s important to do this every day, especially if you are a smoker or have diabetes.
There are many different brands of mouthwash available, so talk to your dentist about which one would be best for you. Some contain fluoride, which can help prevent tooth decay.
Mouthwash is easy to use. Just swish it around in your mouth for 30 seconds or more and then spit it out. Be sure to follow the directions on the label. And don’t forget to floss! Flossing removes plaque from between your teeth, where brushing can’t reach.
Watch Your Diet
If you eat the right foods, your teeth will stay firm and strong for a long time. Here’s what you should eat:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Dairy products
- lean proteins
- whole grains
Make sure to add these to your diet. In addition to this, you should leave out, or at least reduce the consumption of, the following foods:
- sugary foods
- acidic foods
- sticky foods
- hard foods
These foods can damage your teeth. If you eat them, be sure to brush your teeth afterward.
Take Calcium Supplements
Calcium supplements are an easy way to make sure you’re getting the calcium you need for strong bones and teeth. But before you start taking them, talk to your doctor about how much is right for you.
There are two types of calcium supplements: carbonate and citrate. Carbonate supplements are the most common. They’re less expensive and your body can absorb them more easily. But they can cause gas and bloat in some people. Citrate supplements are absorbed more easily, but they’re more expensive.
When choosing a calcium supplement, look for one that also contains vitamin D. This vitamin helps your body absorb calcium.
No matter how old you are, you need to care for your teeth and that starts with regular checkups. Brush twice a day and make sure to floss regularly as well. Use mouthwash to rinse your teeth out and always watch what you eat. Finally, take some calcium supplements to ensure the strength of your teeth for years to come1
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