Senior Tips for Dental Care

The senior years are the time to enjoy the fruits of your labor. However, it is also a time when oral health concerns can increase. Seniors face a number of oral health issues. From cavities to tooth loss, seniors need to ensure they have good oral health.

Regular Dental Visits

Taking care of your teeth when you’re younger is important, but so is maintaining good dental health as you age. As you get older, you are more likely to experience the effects of poor oral hygiene on your own teeth. That’s why it’s so important to keep up with regular dental checkups, even if you’ve had some work done in the past. Routine exams will help your dentist catch any problems quickly and take action to keep them from becoming more serious and costly in the future. 

Brushing Your Teeth At Least Twice a Day

Plaque and bacteria build up on the teeth and gums throughout the day, so brushing after every meal will help to keep teeth healthy. Even though you should be brushing at least twice every day, you should still make sure to check your toothbrush for signs of wear and tear every few months so you can replace it when needed. Always make sure to point the bristles of your toothbrush toward the gums at a 45-degree angle while brushing the teeth, and be sure to brush along the gum line as well as the surface of each tooth.

Flossing Daily

Proper dental care habits are essential for seniors to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Many seniors tend to brush their teeth less often and forget to floss often, which can result in tooth discoloration, cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues. Regular brushing helps to remove plaque and food particles from the surface of the teeth, but it is not enough to reach between teeth and clean food debris buildup hidden between the teeth and gum line. This is why flossing on a daily basis is important.

If a senior has difficulty holding a traditional piece of dental floss, there are other options for cleaning between teeth, including water flossers and interdental brushes. Water flossers are handheld devices that produce a gentle stream of water and pressure that can help clean the areas between teeth. Interdental brushes are thin wires that are inserted along the gum line to clean in between the teeth after flossing with a traditional toothbrush. These options can help seniors maintain good oral hygiene habits.

Rinsing With a Mouthwash

You already know that you should brush your teeth every day, but did you know that rinsing with mouthwash is also helpful in maintaining oral health? Mouthwash is a great way to remove food particles and bacteria from your mouth, making it a great preventative step. However, mouthwash is meant to maintain your smile and not for restorative needs. It should not be used to brush your teeth or as a substitute for your regular brushing and flossing routine. If used correctly, mouthwash can be a great addition to your dental routine! Ask your dentist about the best type of mouthwash for you.

Call us at 773-880-2310 or email us at office@sheffieldsquaredental.com to schedule your appointment. Visit Sheffield Square Dental Care at 2835 N. Sheffield Ave, Suite 305, Chicago, IL 60657.