Getting older is no cup of tea. Grey hairs, back pain, and wrinkles are all signs that our bodies aren’t working as well as they used to. However, one of the things that doesn’t have to decline as you get older is your oral health. If you take care of your teeth and gums properly, you can have a great, natural smile into old age.
If you’re concerned about how your teeth and gums will change as you get older, then read on because this post will provide four tips on how to look after your oral health as you get older.
Fluoride is important at any age because it can help prevent cavities and tooth decay. However, it’s more important in older people, as your risk of cavities increases as you get older.
You can easily make fluoride a part of your daily dental care routine by brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. In fact, most kinds of toothpaste nowadays come with the recommended level of fluoride – but do check the packet just to make sure.
Another way you can get fluoride is by drinking fluoridated tap water (if you live in a part of the UK that fluoridates its tap water, that is). You can also get an in-office fluoride treatment at your dentist, but these are usually only given to people with a high risk of cavities.
A dry mouth is a condition that’s more likely to occur as you get older. Some medications can also increase your risk of getting dry mouth.
Dry mouth is a problem because it increases your risk of getting cavities and decay. It can also make dentures uncomfortable because it can cause chafing between your gums and your dentures.
To reduce your symptoms of dry mouth, one option is to ask your pharmacy for an artificial saliva product. These products contain ingredients that totally imitate real saliva. Other options are to use a moisturising mouthwash or to chew sugar-free gum.
Older people are more likely to need dentures than younger people. If you wear dentures, then it’s important to know how to take care of them. You should use toothpaste that’s specially designed for dentures, and you should also make sure to clean your dentures every day.
If you have partial dentures instead of full dentures, then make sure to floss between your implants before putting the dentures back in. Ask your dentist for more specific instructions on how to take care of your dentures so they last as long as possible.
Although gum disease is not as highly publicised as tooth decay, it’s still a major problem in the UK, especially among older people. However, gum disease doesn’t necessarily have to be a part of getting older. Brushing your teeth properly and going for regular dental visits will go a long way to preventing gum disease.
No matter what age you are, a great smile can be yours. Looking after your teeth, going to the dentist regularly and making minor changes to your routine can keep your smile looking great as you age.
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“I had a tooth extraction with Dr Femi and his nurse, Christine, today; they are the best! I was very nervous, and they both made me feel at ease, ensured I was okay and explained the process in detail to me. I am very happy and already feel better. Dr Femi is the best and...”
“I’m so happy I’ve been given the all-clear after being fitted with dental implants. Thank you, Dr Hussein Asaria, for performing the surgery with minimal discomfort and feeling so at ease throughout the procedure. I am so glad the procedure went smoothly, and I recovered really well. I am pleased with the results and wish...”
“I was a nervous patient and was worried about having my tooth taken out. Dr Femi and his nurse were so amazing. I had a denture to be fitted, and he did that. It was done very quickly, and the nurse was very caring. I have to say I have had no pain since. This...”
“Dear Hazelwood Dental Practice, just to let you know that Femi and Christina did a fantastic job on my mother removing 3 front teeth. She had a bit of pain with the injections, but apart from that, there was no pain with the removal of the teeth and no pain thereafter. As my mother was...”
“I had a tooth extraction with Dr Femi and his nurse, Christine, today; they are the best! I was very nervous, and they both made...”
“I’m so happy I’ve been given the all-clear after being fitted with dental implants. Thank you, Dr Hussein Asaria, for performing the surgery with minimal...”
“I was a nervous patient and was worried about having my tooth taken out. Dr Femi and his nurse were so amazing. I had a...”
“Dear Hazelwood Dental Practice, just to let you know that Femi and Christina did a fantastic job on my mother removing 3 front teeth. She...”
