Oral and gum care is necessary for every age group, especially older adults. As your parents age, their teeth require special attention to establish proper oral hygiene. Thus, visiting your family dentist in Greenbelt at regular intervals is important. Besides visiting the dentist, you need certain oral health care tips to keep your smile young and healthy. This article discusses the top 5 oral health care tips. Let’s dive in!
5 Oral Health Care Tips for Older Adults
1. Brush and Floss Everyday
Brushing your teeth twice daily and flossing daily is vital to remove dental plaque, which causes cavities. Brushing and flossing also eliminate bacteria formation and minimize the chances of tooth decay. Brush your teeth before breakfast and bed.
2. Keep a Look for Changes in Your Mouth
With time and age, your mouth experiences several changes. Additionally, your chances of developing oral cancer and other mouth diseases also increase. Potential signs and symptoms to look for in your mouth are:
- Spots in your mouth, throat, or lips.
- A lump within your lips, mouth, or throat.
- A red or white patch in your mouth
- Numbness in your tongue and mouth
- Swelling on your lips or jaw
- Pain in only one ear.
3. Visit Your Dentist 4 Times a Year
Visiting your dentist and conducting a complete mouth checkup becomes essential to ensure proper oral care. During your visit, go for proper mouth cleanings so that there are no possibilities for plaque or bacteria buildup. Visit your dentist at least four times a year.
4. Build Healthy Habits
Building healthy oral habits is important to keep your smile and mouth young and healthy. Here are some healthy habits:
- Avoid smoking, drinking, or consuming tobacco products
- Avoid sugary drinks and food items to prevent tooth decay.
- Brush and floss your teeth every day.
- Do not drink caffeine
- Address your mouth concerns as soon as possible.
5. Adopt New Brushing Techniques
As you age, your body goes through comprehensive wear and tear, resulting in certain physical limitations. As a result, cleaning your teeth, brushing, and flossing becomes a task. In such cases, avoid your regular toothbrush and switch it with an electric toothbrush with a larger handle, which provides greater grip. You can also take the help of others to brush your teeth.
Wrapping Up!
Keeping adequate care of your mouth is crucial to maintaining your oral health. This article highlights the top 5 tips for elders to keep your smile young and healthy.
