Ways to Keep Your Mouth Young

In the recent past, dentures for aging adults were a foregone conclusion. Today, three-quarters of geriatrics over 65 retain at least some of their natural teeth. Older people, however, still suffer higher rates of gum disease, dental decay, oral cancer, mouth infections, and tooth loss. How can you counteract these problems that come with aging as you get older?

Ways to Keep Your Mouth Young

Following are some ways to avoid the problems that come with aging and your teeth:

Practice Good Oral Hygiene

Taking good care of your teeth and gums is important, no matter how old you are.

• Brush with fluoride toothpaste, using a soft bristled toothbrush twice a day for two minutes each time.
• Floss at least once a day, preferably at bedtime.
• Rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash. This kills bacteria that brushing and flossing may have missed.
• Have regular cleanings at the dentist’s office
• Pay Attention to Your Gums
• Caring for your gums is also important at any age. Periodontal disease is the main cause of tooth loss among older adults. Gingivitis, the earliest stage of periodontal disease, affects the gums that naturally recede as you get older.

Limit Acidic Food and Drinks That Attack Your Teeth and Gums

By the time you are 65 years old, you have spent nearly twenty-four thousand days chewing, gnawing, and crunching with your pearly whites. Throughout that time your teeth have been affected by foods such as citrus fruits, pickles, alcohol, and soft drinks, which dissolve the protective enamel and weakened enamel can cause dental problems. The need for a root canal or other invasive procedures triples once you’re over age 65.

Is Dry Mouth Affecting Your Teeth?

Aging usually means that you are taking more prescription medications, which can damage your oral health. Some medications cause dry mouth, which increases your risk for tooth decay and gum disease, due to the decrease of saliva in your mouth.

Ways to combat dry mouth:

• Limit drinking caffeinated drinks and alcohol that dry out the mouth; drink more water.
• Chew sugarless gum.
• Sugarless candies will keep your mouth hydrated.
• If you need another reason to quit smoking, tobacco dries your mouth and causes bad breath.
• Dental Check-Ups Are Essential
• Regular dental appointments will help you avoid serious dental problems, regardless of your age. A thorough cleaning of your teeth and gums every 6 months will help eliminate plaque build-up, before tartar forms and catch any cavities or other problems that may occur between visits.