It is not unavoidable that we lose our teeth as we get older. Good dental hygiene can help maintain natural teeth for a lifetime. However, we are susceptible to oral deterioration as we progress in age. There are several social, physiological, and dental difficulties that today's older patients face that, in some ways, make their dental care more challenging than it was decades ago.
How to Help the Elderly Maintain Oral Health
Root cavities are more common in older persons due to increased gingival inflammation, which exposes root surfaces, and more significant usage of drugs that promote xerostomia. It's one thing to remind a loved one to clean their teeth or care for their dentures; it's another to assist them with these duties, mainly if they are reluctant. Wiping their surviving teeth and gums with gauze soaked in an oral antibiotic that cures gum inflammation, gingivitis, cavities, and other dental diseases like periodontitis are the best approach to aid people who cannot brush on their own.
Oral hygiene still is crucial if your dear one wears dentures. To guarantee that dentures last, they must be adequately cared for. Dentures must be well-fitting and cozy. They should be cleaned daily with a non-abrasive prosthesis care product and left overnight or for at least four hours every day in water or a prosthetic washing solution. It's crucial to look out for any infections, sores, or anomalies in the mouth and schedule an appointment with a dentist to get them looked out.
Brushing, flossing, and mouth rinsing at least twice a day help keep oral health in check. Brushing should be done using a medium soft toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste to kill all bacteria. Electric powered toothbrushes are more preferred for the elderly as they do not require a lot of hand movements during brushing. It is essential to remind the elderly to go for professional cleanings and follow-ups to ensure their oral health is monitored.
Rho Family Dentistry, 2525 K Street, Suite 108 Sacramento, CA 95816 + (916) 562-2755 + rhofamilydentistry.com + 10/9/2024 + Page Terms:dentist Sacramento CA +
It is not unavoidable that we lose our teeth as we get older. Good dental hygiene can help maintain natural teeth for a lifetime. However, we are susceptible to oral deterioration as we progress in age. There are several social, physiological, and dental difficulties that today's older patients face that, in some ways, make their dental care more challenging than it was decades ago.