Like most things in life, you start to see dental hygiene in a new light as you age. You may have new dental problems you didn’t have when you were younger, or maybe you want to stop them from appearing. In either case, when you enter your senior years, you should start to examine whether you’re doing everything you ought to do for your teeth. Here are some aspects of dental hygiene you need to prioritize as you get older.
#1: Brush & Floss
When you age, the body’s natural production of saliva starts to decrease. That saliva normally contributes to the mouth’s cleaning process by sweeping away food particles. Consequently, brushing and flossing become even more important as you age. If you neglect it, you’ll start to see plaque and tartar buildup much faster than you used to.
#2: Use Antiseptic Mouthwash
Bacteria cultures only grow more established in the mouth as you age, meaning that seniors are particularly vulnerable to gum disease. Moreover, as your gums naturally start to recede, your roots can become exposed. This makes them more susceptible to infection as well. Antiseptic mouthwash has been shown to kill bacteria, prevent plaque buildup, and fight off gum disease.
#3: Get Regular Dental Cleanings
Even with the above methods, there are places in your mouth you can’t reach on your own. There are also stubborn patches of tartar buildup that aren’t possible to remove with a toothbrush. If neglected, these can become vectors for infection. Occasionally, you need a professional cleaning.
Your dentist can also screen for serious diseases that benefit from early detection. Oral cancer is maybe the most dangerous, and people over 40 are at a significantly higher risk for this condition. There are over 120 other diseases that your dentist can find at a routine check-up, so seeing them biannually is a good way to make sure you stay in the clear.
It’s likely that none of these things are unfamiliar to you. In fact, you’re probably doing some of them already. But now is a good time to check that you’re making every effort you can to keep your teeth around as long as possible.
About the Author
Dr. Nelson Howard prides himself on being able to meet every patient where they are. He can provide anyone who visits his office the service they need, whether it be pain relief, cosmetic treatment, or prevention. This is due to his vast knowledge of dentistry, which comes from his 34+ years of clinical experience. If you have any questions about how best to take care of your teeth, he can be reached at his website or by phone at (858) 451-0550.