Tips for Senior Oral Care

Your teeth are with you for life. They age with you, and their care remains important all the while. In this blog post, we’ll cover some tips to help you maintain great oral care into your senior years.

More Fluoride

Make sure you’re working fluoride into your routine. If you don’t already use a fluoridated toothpaste or mouthwash, look into introducing one or both into your regimen. Fluoride is known to help remineralize teeth and keep them strong. If you’re not sure what products will best suit your needs, just ask us!

Hydrate

Dry mouth is common in older individuals, and can really harm your teeth. Talk to your doctor about the medications you’re taking as they may be to blame. If no changes can be made, there are things you can do to ease the dryness. Drink lots of water, and chew gum to prompt saliva flow.

Quit Smoking

If you haven’t already kicked the habit, it’s time. Smoking puts you at risk for a range of oral ailments, including mouth and throat cancer.

Try Technology

Brushing and flossing can be tough for older folks, especially those with arthritis and other conditions that limit mobility and dexterity. Though technology can often seem intimidating, there are devices on the market that can really improve your ability to clean your teeth and mouth. An electric toothbrush makes brushing a lot easier, with a vibrating, spinnings, and/or oscillating brush head that does much of the work for you. A water flosser is a simple way to clean between your teeth if string floss is tough for you to maneuver.

Keep Up with Your Biannual Visits to Curtis Family Dentistry

Dental care never stops. No matter your age, young or old, a biannual cleaning and exam is crucial to your oral and overall health and well being. Here at Curtis Family Dentistry, we welcome patients of all ages. Contact our office today!