October is National Dental Hygiene Month! It’s time to raise awareness about the importance of good and proper oral health and hygiene. So, what exactly IS oral health? Healthy gums, strong teeth, and fresh breath are all components of oral health.
As we age, proper dental care is a crucial part of maintaining overall health, as it can prevent infections, gum disease, and tooth loss. No matter if we’re caring for our natural teeth, dentures, bridges, or other dental fixtures, seniors face a variety of unique oral concerns.
Chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, and certain medications can cause our elderly loved ones to be at a higher risk for dental issues. Check out these risk factors for common oral health issues in seniors:
Dry mouth
Oral cancer
Yellowing or darkening of tooth
Gum disease
Uneven jawbone
Bacterial pneumonia
Tooth loss
Tooth decay
Don’t worry…getting older doesn’t necessarily lead to poor dental hygiene and ultimately senior dental problems. There are steps to take and tips to maintain good oral hygiene:
Stay up-to-date with dental visits for cleanings and checkups
Brush at least twice per day
Floss once per day or after mealtimes
Use an antiseptic mouth wash daily
Use fluoride toothpaste
Keep dentures clean and free from food
In addition to daily oral hygiene, it’s important to also visit your dentist at least once a year for a comprehensive oral exam, where the dentist can look for signs of any oral health problems. The best way to achieve good oral health is to prevent oral disease through daily brushing, flossing, and visiting a dentist regularly.
GOOD ORAL HEALTH + GOOD OVERALL HEALTH = HIGH QUALITY OF LIFE!!
