Taking care of gums and teeth becomes all the more important as one gets older, and can help prevent issues like tooth loss, tooth decay and toothaches. In the opinion of Dr. Kami Hoss, older adults who have a health condition like diabetes or heart disease must especially try their best to take care of their dental health. Hoss is a co-founder and CEO of The Super Dentists, a company that operates six dental offices across San Diego County.
Dr. Kami Hoss offers oral health tips for older adults
Good oral hygiene habits are as important for senior citizens as they are for kids. Elderly individuals are likely to face a variety of dental problems. However, with proper dental care, they can make sure that their gums and teeth stay healthy. Even though dental issues may occur more frequently in later years due to age, there are ways to prevent this from getting worse.
Brushing and flossing the teeth regularly is one of the best ways to maintain good oral health as an older adult. One should ideally brush their teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice a day. This will help in removing bacteria and plaque from teeth. While brushing, one should start with the mack of the mouth and work the way to the front using a soft-bristled toothbrush, while leaving the bristles slightly touching the teeth in a circular pattern.
It is also important to floss between teeth every day. In case someone has trouble flossing, they can ask a dentist about using a special brush or pick instead. Flossing reaches between the teeth and helps remove food particles and other debris. All people should try their best to be consistent with their oral care routine. Not doing so can lead to bad dental health.
Senior citizens are more prone to tooth decay due to the decrease in saliva production. Consuming less sugar would be important to keep teeth healthy and resist tooth decay in old age. Sugary drinks and food may cause inflammation, leading to cavities. Hence people must avoid eating or drinking too much sugar in order to prevent tooth decay and maintain oral health.
As one gets older, the risk of getting oral cancer also goes up. Hence, in case one does notice any change in their mouth, it would be smart to get the signs checked out. As per Dr. Kami Hoss, it is especially important to see a dentist if one has any of these symptoms for more than 2 weeks:
- Swelling in the jaw
- A white or red patch in the mouth
- Numbness in the tongue or mouth
- A lump or thick area in the mouth, lip, or throat
- Trouble chewing, swallowing, or moving the jaw or tongue
- A spot in the mouth, lip, or throat that feels uncomfortable or sore
Senior citizens should try their best to visit their dentist on a regular basis in general to help maintain oral health. By scheduling regular appointments and following through with recommendations, they can avoid developing any severe dental problems.
