It’s important to take proper care of your teeth and gums, no matter your age.
No matter how old you are, the importance of proper oral hygiene cannot be overstated. While regular brushing and flossing are essential at all life stages, you might be wondering if you should adjust your dental hygiene routine as you get older. Read on for our top tips on taking care of your smile later in life…
1. Don’t forget about fluoride
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that helps to strengthen the enamel of the teeth, making it more resistant to tooth decay. You may have had fluoride treatments as a child, but the truth is that fluoride can benefit your teeth even as an adult. In fact, studies suggest that older people are at an increased risk of tooth decay, which is why getting enough fluoride is so important if you’re over the age of 50. To get your fluoride fix, brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and drink plenty of fluoridated tap water. If you are concerned about cavities, chat with your dentist about fluoride treatment.
2. Reduce dry mouth
Certain factors that are often associated with ageing — such as certain chronic conditions and the need to take regular medications, for example—can put you at risk of developing dry mouth. A dry mouth can cause discomfort, affect the fit of appliances like dentures, and increase the risk of issues like tooth decay.
If you struggle with dry mouth, there are a few things you can do to address the problem. Chewing on sugar-free gum between meals promotes the production of saliva in the mouth, while specially formulated mouthwashes and sprays can also help. It’s always a good idea to chat with your dentist if your dry mouth is affecting your oral health.
3. Take proper care of your dentures
If you have dentures, you know that there are many benefits to replacing missing teeth. But did you know that taking care of your dentures is just as important as taking care of your natural teeth? To do so, clean your dentures every day with specially formulated denture toothpaste. You should also brush your gums and tongue with a soft-bristled toothbrush—this will help get rid of food particles, plaque, and bacteria.
Be sure to remove your dentures before you go to bed and soak them overnight.
4. Keep gum disease at bay
Unfortunately, gum disease is a common concern, especially among older people. The good news, however, is that it can be prevented with the right habits. To maintain optimal health, it’s important that you commit to a stringent routine when it comes to dental hygiene—this includes brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, and seeing your dentist for regular check-ups. If your dentist identifies the early signs of gum disease, they will let you know how it can be effectively managed or treated.
How can we help?
At My Dental Care @ West End, we treat patients of all ages. If you have an oral health concern or would simply like to learn how to improve your oral hygiene routine, we encourage you to come in and see us. Our team is dedicated to providing top-quality care and is happy to address any questions that you have.
We offer a comprehensive range of dental services. To see the full list of treatments that we provide at our practice in Brisbane, please have a look here.
To book an appointment, please contact us here or give us a call at (07) 3846 2548.
