Dental care is an often-overlooked aspect of senior healthcare. Unfortunately, many seniors experience a decline in oral hygiene as they age. This is often because of mobility, memory issues, and tighter budgets in retirement. However, the cost of implants and fighting advanced gum disease can be a lot more than regular dental check-ups and maintenance. This article will discuss dental health tips for seniors.
Brushing and Flossing Daily for Better Dental Health
Dentists recommend brushing twice daily and flossing at least once a day. Daily care helps manage plaque, build gum strength, and keep your mouth healthier. Use fluoride toothpaste to brush. Dentists usually recommend brushing after breakfast and before bed. Flossing can be a challenge for seniors with mobility issues or arthritis. If you have trouble flossing, ask your dentist about potential alternatives.
See Your Dentist Regularly
Check-ups and regular cleanings from the dentist are vital to improving your overall oral health. Dental appointments can help you flag oral health issues before they become much more serious. What constitutes “regular” dental appointments can vary from person to person. Your dentist can help you create an appointment schedule that fits your needs and budget.
Dental Care Costs for Older Adults
Unfortunately, basic Medicare doesn’t cover most dental care. You may need to consider getting private dental insurance if you do not have it already. When looking for dentists in your network, look for dentists who cater more to older clients. They will be more familiar with the care associated with aging individuals.
Dry Mouth and Your Dental Health
Dry mouth is a common side effect of many medications and can be detrimental to your dental health. Saliva washes away bacteria and reduces infection. Dry mouth can make eating, talking, and swallowing harder. In addition to medication, chemotherapy and radiation treatments can lead to dry mouth. Some chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, can also reduce saliva production. If you are suffering from dry mouth, talk with your dentist about what you can do to remedy it.
Looking for Changes in Your Mouth Health
Your risk of developing dental health issues increases with age. This can include gum disease, tooth loss, infections, and even oral cancer. See a doctor or dentist if you are experiencing any of these symptoms for 2 or more weeks:
- A lump in your mouth, lip, or throat
- Abnormal white or red patches in your mouth
- Trouble moving your tongue or jaw
- Issues with swallowing or chewing
- Numbness in your mouth or tongue
- Pain in an ear without hearing loss
- Swelling or numbness of the jaw
These symptoms are common indicators of more serious health issues. Your doctor or dentist can help you identify the issue and begin treatment.
Healthier Habits for Better Dental Care
In addition to the aforementioned brushing and flossing, there are several ways that you can improve your overall dental health by making life changes. Eating healthy and reducing sugar intake is a great place to start. Smoking, chewing tobacco, and heavy alcohol consumption can increase your risk of oral cancer and tooth decay.
Safe Harbor Healthcare Services does not provide medical, healthcare, or financial advice via articles. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only. It is not intended to provide and should not be relied on for advice.
Safe Harbor Healthcare Services has provided excellent home care on Staten Island since 1967. Our services help older and disabled individuals live safely and independently while giving their families the peace of mind they need. For more information, contact us or call (718)-979-6900.
