No matter your gender or lifestyle, the aging process is something we all go through. As you enter old age, your risk of getting gum disease increases too, and 17% of those aged 65 and over have periodontal disease. However, there are things you can do to reduce your risk of falling into this category.
Keeping your teeth and gums in excellent condition can be achieved, but you will need to use the right tactics to keep on top of your oral hygiene. To help, here are some useful tips on how to prevent losing your natural teeth in your later years.
Practice Proper Dental Care
Above anything else, you must follow a robust oral hygiene routine to keep your teeth and gums healthy. From childhood, you should’ve been shown the significance of brushing and flossing your teeth. Many people make the mistake of brushing too quickly or not using the correct technique, both of which can do more harm than good for your teeth and gums. So, you must allocate a minimum of 2 minutes towards brushing, and ensure you’re using circular motions to reach every area of the tooth. You should also brush along the gumline which can reduce your risk of periodontal disease.
Choose the Right Toothbrush
If you have had your toothbrush for many years, now is the time to replace it. As we get older, we like to keep hold of things. However, your toothbrush should not be seen as a sentimental item. To get the best results and keep healthy teeth and gums, it’s advised to purchase an electric toothbrush. While many people swear by manual toothbrushes, using your arm and having the energy to brush for 2 minutes can be challenging as you enter old age. An electric toothbrush does all the hard work for you, not to mention it does a better job too.
Find a Reputable Dentist
As you enter old age, seeing your dentist regularly is critical for keeping your teeth and gums in check. If you have any concerns about your oral hygiene or appointment slots are scarce, you may want to consider finding a private dentist, like The Dentist. The team is based in Leeds and offers a variety of services for new and existing patients, including general dentistry, teeth straightening, cosmetic dentistry, and facial aesthetic treatments. Your risk of losing teeth is higher as you get older, which is why you should consider an expert clinic like The Dentist who provide dental implants, dentures, and bone regeneration treatment.
Avoid Tobacco
If you’re a lifelong smoker, you will be aware of all the risks tobacco use does for your health and wellbeing. While you may think there is no harm continuing in your elder years, you will be at a heightened risk of developing gum disease and losing your teeth. It is never too late to pack in the habit for good. If you’re ready to quit smoking and aren’t sure where to start, there are lots of tips online that can help you say goodbye to smoking forever.
Stay Healthy
Once you get past 65, you may want to put your feet up and enjoy your retirement. While there is nothing wrong with taking things easy in your older years, staying fit and active, and watching what you eat can help when it comes to maintaining excellent oral hygiene. If you’re the type of person who gorges on sugary drinks and processed foods, know that both can negatively impact your teeth and gums if consumed in large quantities. While you don’t have to give up treats entirely, limiting how much you have can help you hold onto your natural teeth for as long as possible.
Be Aware of Dry Mouth
As you may already know, older people experience all kinds of changes to their body, with one of the most common being a dry mouth. If you are taking any medication that you believe is contributing to dry mouth, make sure you book an appointment with your doctor. A dry mouth can increase your risk of gum disease and other oral health issues. So, to combat it, drinking more water, avoiding alcohol, and chewing on sugar-free chewing gum can help.
Use Mouthwash
Mouthwash can benefit your teeth and gums in numerous ways as you get older. While the primary purpose of mouthwash is to get rid of plaque, it can decrease the number of bacteria in your mouth, and even whiten your teeth. However, you shouldn’t use mouthwash in replacement for brushing and flossing. If you aren’t sure what mouthwash to use, it’s advised to speak to your dentist.
While excellent oral hygiene is important for all ages, as you get older, keeping your teeth and gums in good condition is critical. To hold onto your natural teeth for as long as possible, following the advice above can help.
