Getting senior discounts on tickets. Retiring from work and spending your time with hobbies. Seeing grandchildren more often. There are certain benefits to getting older, but unfortunately age also comes with drawbacks. In addition to joints aches and lapses in memory, oral health issues become much more common in those who are 60 years old and over. In fact, while just under 50 percent of adults 30 years and older have advanced periodontitis, that number jumps to 70 percent for adults over the age of 65.
The chances of getting gum disease, dry mouth, tooth decay, and oral cancer all increase as you age, which means that taking care of your oral health becomes even more important with each birthday. Here are some dental hygiene tips for helping you avoid these common issues and keeping your smile strong in your twilight years.
See Your Dentist Regularly
As you continue to climb in age, you should continue to see your dentist for seniors on a regular basis. For some, this means the usual six-month visits for a simple checkup and cleaning. For others, an appointment every three or four months is needed to keep their oral health in check and address any issues that come up.
Brush and Floss Daily
You may have retired and are taking life a little easier these days—not the bacteria in your mouth. They continue to produce plaque, leading to decay and infections that endanger your smile. Even if all your teeth are prosthetic, you still to need to practice healthy oral habits every day to keep your mouth clean and protected.
Limit Your Sugar Intake
Although sugar is tasty, it can be devastating for your health. In addition to your blood sugar levels, you should be concerned about the bacteria in your mouth, which thrive on sugary, starchy foods. By monitoring proper portion sizes and cutting back on your sugar consumption, you can help your body function and restrict the impact bacteria can have on your smile.
Use an Antibacterial, Fluoride Mouthwash
In addition to brushing and flossing, you can add rinsing with an antibacterial, fluoride mouthwash to your daily routine. This product kills harmful bacteria and strengthens natural enamel, helping you fight disease and decay at the same time.
Drink More Water
Being healthier can be as simple as choosing to drink water over another beverage. Water contains no sugar, doesn’t stain teeth, and in most areas has fluoride added to it. As a result, it is an easy way to rinse plaque, food, and bacteria out of your mouth and safeguard your smile.
In the end, you can overcome the higher risk of oral health problems that accompany aging. By following these steps, you can maintain a strong smile for many more years into the future!
About the Practice
Beach Dental has been proudly serving patients from the Westhampton area for more than 20 years now. Dr. Jason Parli and Dr. Alexis Gersten maintain a high standard of care for patients of all ages, including seniors. In fact, Dr. Gersten is actually a Special Care Dentistry Association member and has previously served on its Geriatric Board. If you would like to book an appointment with Dr. Gersten or Dr. Parli, you can contact Beach Dental through our website or by calling 631-325-0731.