A Guide to Oral Hygiene for Elderly People

A Guide to Oral Hygiene for Elderly People
A Guide to Oral Hygiene for Elderly People

 

From the very youngest age, we are taught to take care of our teeth. While we are fortunate enough to have a temporary set of molars when we are young, they eventually give way to the one and only set of teeth you will ever have. This demands regular oral examinations and of course, best practices, as our teeth and gums have to endure a lifetime of punishment and as we age, the need for dental care does not diminish, in fact, oral hygiene becomes even more important as our teeth and gums begin to degenerate. If you are at all concerned about your teeth and you are in your middle years, here are some important factors that make for taking good care of your teeth and gums.

 

  • Losing Colour

    – Generally speaking, a person’s teeth gradually darken as they age. This is compounded by teeth staining from the many different things that we consume and by visiting your dentist on a regular basis, your teeth can be professionally cleaned and with regular brushing and flossing, your teeth will lose very little of their whiteness. If, for example, you have just relocated and are looking for a BUPA dentist in Brisbane, an online search will give you a list of clinics within driving distance.

 

  • Enamel Decay

    – The acids in the food and drink we consume are constantly attacking the tooth enamel and over time, this can cause the surface to become thin and dull. The many benefits of BUPA cover really pay dividends as you get older and what might have been expensive dental treatment is very affordable with the right medical cover.

 

  • Gum Disease

    – It isn’t only your teeth that wear, as gums typically recede as we age and this in turn causes the teeth to lose their stability and in some cases, fall out. Gum disease can strike anyone at any age, yet older people are more susceptible, which is why regular visits to your dentist are advised. Gum disease can be better treated if caught early and with regular examinations, any gum issues can be promptly addressed.

 

  • Daily Mouthwash

    – Of course, you should brush your teeth after every meal, but even a good brushing session can leave minute traces of bacteria and a good antiseptic mouthwash after brushing will remove any bacterial traces, keeping the teeth clean. Swishing the liquid around and using your cheek muscles to create high pressure bursts is an effective way to reach those hard to brush areas. This is something you should try to do several times a day and it will ensure that your teeth and gums are always clean and can better deal with the daily stresses.

A Guide to Oral Hygiene for Elderly People

Flossing is also important and if you don’t floss, then today is the best time to change that. Flossing correctly ensures that the lines between teeth are thoroughly cleaned something brushing cannot do. Regular visits to your local dentist will ensure that your teeth and gums remain healthy and that Hollywood smile does not diminish over time.

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17 thoughts on “A Guide to Oral Hygiene for Elderly People”

  1. Especially for the elderly, oral hygiene is very important. Solara Dental Care in Calgary works to help all of our clients to develop a strong dental hygiene routine and keep their smiles happy and healthy!

  2. I HAVE TO SHOW THIS TO MY DAD!! He isn’t much of a dentist-visiting guy but will tell him about its importance. We’ve a very good dentist nearby called Sinclair Smiles on Encinitas, CA. Thanks for the lovely article!! 🙂

  3. This dentist we met a few days ago who works at the Exceptional Dentistry in Dixon, IL told us about these things as he saw we were concerned about my dad’s oral health. Some points are new and really helpful overall. Thanks for sharing!

  4. Oral health maintenance for elderly people is just as important as that for young ones and the good thing is that they know about this but the bad thing is that elders become stubborn after reaching an age. My grandpa was so reluctant to visit our dentist at Sweet Water Dental in Sugar Land, TX that we’d to beg him to come with us literally. Your article heightens my worry about his oral health.

  5. I’m very much concern about our teeth. You know, Everything starts with outstanding particles that stick in our gums subsequent to eating something. Presently, these particles deliver corrosive in our gums that begins harming our teeth and gums consequently. In the event that we get accomplishment in influencing these outstanding particles way out we to can dodge hole for he entire life.

  6. The main and important question is that why our teeth get cavity. It all begins with remaining particles that stick in our gums after eating something. Now, these particles produce acid in our gums that starts damaging our teeth and gums in return. If we get success in making these remaining particles way out we can avoid cavity for he whole life. Flossing is therefor very necessary and efficient way conidered as brushing cleans only 40 percent of teeth. But I always keep in mind not to floss in between teeth as it has already created a space between my two teeth and more food particles stick there now. There is a great new tool available in market named as best cordless water flosser which uses water jet (set at required pressure according to our need). We just focus this jet at right place to get it done in a few minutes.

    1. Very good points and true about over flossing. Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts 👍

  7. Really great tips for my mom. I took her out of elderly care home and decided to take care of her myself. These tips are really helpful thank you.

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