It is important to care for your teeth as you get older.Good dental hygiene can be practiced at home.Making adjustments to your dental care and dental hygiene routines as you get older is necessary to make your efforts effective and appropriate for an older mouth.Maintaining healthy teeth as you age requires continued care and willingness to change your routine if necessary.
Step 1: Get a different toothbrush.
It may be difficult for you to brush your teeth as you get older.As you get older, use a soft bristled brush.It can be difficult to brush with a toothbrush if you have arthritis.You can either use an electric toothbrush or use a toothbrush with an extra long handle.You can protect your teeth with a soft toothbrush.A toothbrush with a longer handle will allow you to keep your arm low.An electric toothbrush will allow you to use less pressure and still get a thorough cleaning.
Step 2: Don't allow your mouth to dry out.
You are more likely to have dry mouth as you get older.It could be due to changes in your mouth or medications that cause dry mouth.saliva protects teeth from decay and helps clean teeth, so having a dry mouth can affect your dental health.If you want to offset dry mouth, you should drink more water and hold it in your mouth for a short time.You can chew sugar-free gum to increase saliva production.
Step 3: Discuss any medical problems you are having with your dentist.
If you develop medical conditions as you get older, you should let your dentist know so they can care for your teeth.Diabetes, heart disease, and cancer can affect your dental health and should be addressed by your dentist.
Step 4: Let your dentist know about the drugs you are taking.
You are likely to take more medication as you get older.Your teeth and dental health can be impacted by some medications.If you let your dentist know about all of your medications, they can consider them when giving you dental care.When your dentist is caring for your teeth, medications that thin the blood, such as aspirin and warfarin, can cause excessive bleeding in the mouth.
Step 5: You should consider going to a dentist that specializes in elderly care.
Some dentists care for the dental health of the elderly.They can provide expert care for the elderly.You can usually find a geriatric dentist through a specialty dental association's website or a referral from your original dentist.
Step 6: A dental cleaning is done every three to six months.
As you age, you should get regular dental cleanings.Your dentist will be able to identify any problems that are emerging before they get too serious because it will keep your teeth nice and healthy.The nerves in your teeth become less sensitive as you age.When problems begin to emerge, you may not be able to feel it.It's important to have regular exams as you get older.
Step 7: If you have a dental problem, you should go to the dentist.
If you think you have a problem with your teeth, you should get it looked at as soon as possible.If you have a limited budget and are concerned about the cost of dental procedures, it is still a good idea to get your issue checked out.Paying for small dental problems to be fixed will save you money in the long run.Paying in installments, using insurance, or going to a dental school for treatment are some of the budget options you can use.Your ability to eat food can be affected by dental pain.If you have dental pain that is affecting your life, you should get it treated immediately.
Step 8: Discuss how to protect your teeth.
If you want to give your teeth more protection from wear and tear, talk to your dentist.The two most common treatments are fluoride varnish and fissure sealant.A strong fluoride is applied to the teeth.The application makes the teeth more resistant to decay.It can be applied every six months.A fissure sealant is a coating that is applied to the teeth.The coating protects the teeth from getting stuck in the crevices.The coating can last up to 10 years.
Step 9: You should brush your teeth twice a day.
Good dental hygiene is important as you get older.Good dental hygiene involves brushing your teeth twice a day.Food particles andbacteria can cause tooth decay.As you age, your tooth sensitivity may increase.A soft toothbrush and desensitizing toothpaste can be used to minimize this.
Step 10: You should Floss your teeth every day.
You need to clean between your teeth.This can't be done with a toothbrush.It's done with floss or a flossing device.Plaque, food, andbacteria can build up between your teeth if you don't floss.If you take medication that causes you to bleed more easily, be careful when flossing below the gum line.
Step 11: You need to get enough fluoride.
It is important that you get enough fluoride as you age, as it can help protect your teeth from the wear and tear that comes with use.It's important for older people to protect their delicate teeth below the gum line, as the gums tend to decline as they age.Many cities have fluoridated water and you can get fluoride from it.
Step 12: The dentures are clean.
It is important for you to clean your dentures as well.Before you put them back in your mouth, be sure to wash them thoroughly, soak them, and rinse them.You should be told how to clean your dentures.It includes soaking them and brushing them with a denture cleaner.After you take your dentures out, you should clean the inside of your mouth.Be sure to brush your teeth.
Step 13: It's a good idea to avoid smoking.
Smoking can cause permanent damage to your teeth.If you are a smoker, you have a higher chance of getting gum disease, tooth decay, and tooth loss.Smoking cessation programs may be available to you if you talk to your doctor.It's never too late to stop smoking.
Step 14: Don't be aggressive on your teeth.
It is important to treat your teeth well in order to keep them healthy.Hard food, such as ice, should be avoided in addition to good dental hygiene.If you chew on hard foods, they can chip or break your teeth, which needs to be fixed by a dentist.If you have a problem with your teeth, go to the dentist.The teeth are more susceptible to cavities if you chip them off.Your dentist can repair areas that have been damaged.
Step 15: Don't drink beverages that can damage your teeth.
Drinks that are acidic, such as soda pop or juice, can damage your teeth.Alcohol can damage your teeth as well.If you are concerned about the health of your teeth, you should avoid these items.If you want to drink something that will damage your teeth, use a straw.This will keep the beverage out of your teeth.