Maintaining Good Dental Health: Useful Advice For The Elderly Person.
As you get older your dental health can become harder to maintain. Age-related health and lifestyle factors can increase the risk of dental problems, that in turn can cause pain and inconvenience. Follow these four simple tips to maintain good dental hygiene and practice to keep your mouth in optimum condition and help avoid any troublesome or painful dental issues.
1. Maintain good dental hygiene.
Good dental health is important for all ages, increasingly so for the elderly. Your teeth will have endured years of wear and tear, and in some cases will have suffered irreversible damage. Maintaining a good dental hygiene routine is the best way to prevent any problems from occurring or escalating. Brush thoroughly twice a day with a dentist-recommended toothpaste, and use an appropriate mouthwash. This will prevent the buildup of harmful bacteria that cause decay and damage.
2. Continue to attend your dentist for regular check ups.
It is important that you continue to attend regular checkups. If left untreated, dental problems in the elderly can escalate quickly and severely impact other areas of life, such as nutrition. With regular check ups, your dentist will be able to spot any problems in the early stages and prevent these from becoming more serious. Alternatively, if you begin to experience pain or discomfort between appointments, contact your dentist immediately for advice on any necessary treatments.
3. Speak to your dentist about significant medical issues that may be problematic for dental health.
Medications and medical conditions can impact on your dental health. This is true for all ages, but especially the elderly, where things such as a calcium deficiency or similar issues are more likely to be a factors. Ensure your dentist is kept informed of your medical history so that your dental treatment plan can be adapted accordingly. Your dentist and physician can provide specific advice based on your individual medical needs.
4. Ask your dentist about the possibility of a denture, if needed.
If your teeth have been damaged to an extent that a significant amount of extractions are required, your dentist may recommend having a denture fitted. Do not panic, this is very common and can be an excellent substitute for natural teeth. Having a denture in place will enable you to continue to perform everyday tasks with ease, such as simple things like eating or talking that would otherwise prove problematic with several missing teeth. Dentures will be tailor made to fit your mouth, and every effort will be taken to ensure they are comfortable to wear and natural in appearance. As with natural teeth, a good dental hygiene routine will be important. Speak to your dentist, who will be able to provide further information and answer any questions you may have.
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