The simple easiest way to maintain a healthy mouth is by practicing good oral hygiene habits. There are many easy-to-do and simple tips that seniors can master for a healthy mouth. Though dental health is very important, it’s even more important to pay attention to the following factors: diet, stress, social interaction, home care and medications. All these things can either lead to or contribute to poor oral health since they all affect nutritional status.
Check the toothbrush:
People should have a toothbrush that is in good shape. The person should be replacing the toothbrush every three to four months or so and use a new one with every cold season. It’s also recommended to clean the brush at least twice a week and store it in an upright position.
Clean the tongue:
It’s suggested to clean the tongue of old food and debris with a toothbrush or a tongue scraper. A person could also use his/her finger to clean the tongue from saliva.
Maintaining proper dental hygiene is very important for a healthy lifestyle. The most important thing that one can do for his or her teeth and gums is to learn how to properly care for them.
Floss:
One of the most important aspects of dental hygiene is flossing. Flossing can help remove plaque and food particles from between a person’s teeth. It can also scrape bacteria off the teeth and gums. The dentist will show a person how to use dental floss properly, but some people do not know how difficult it is in certain areas to clean one’s teeth cipf-es.org properly.
Avoid Smoking:
The most important way that seniors can improve their oral health is to simply not smoke. By completely quitting smoking, a person can enjoy better and healthy teeth.
Avoid Alcohol:
Alcohol consumption can be very damaging to the mouth and teeth as well. It can change the pH balance of a person’s body, which can cause malady in his or her oral cavity. There are certain side effects that come along with drinking alcohol, such as dry mouth, bad breath, or tooth decay. Those who are trying to quit drinking should turn to other types of beverages instead of alcohol because they will not have the same results.
Watch out for Dry Mouth:
Dry mouth is one of the most common side effects of many medications and can lead to tooth decay, bad breath, and gum disease. In order to combat dry mouth, they recommend that seniors drink water throughout the day. It’s also important to not mix caloric drinks with acidic foods or drinks, as this may increase the risk of tooth decay over time. Lastly, some over-the-counter sugarless gum and hard candy can provide temporary relief from dry mouths.
Visit the Dentist Regularly:
In order to maintain a healthy mouth and gums, it is important to visit the dentist at least once a year. The dentist will examine the teeth and gums as well as x-ray for any signs of tooth decay or disease. If discovered, they can provide care such as fluoride treatments, dental sealants or fillings if needed.