As we age it’s important that we continue taking good care of our bodies, including our teeth! Dental health is important for people of all ages, but it’s especially important that older adults manage their oral health and pay close attention to their teeth and gums. Fear or dislike of the dentist is very common, and we’ve all heard people – maybe even ourselves – say “Ugh, I hate going to the dentist!” but skipping regular dental exams and teeth cleanings can result in more problems down the line. It’s best to establish a regular dental care routine with your dentist now.
If you have an older adult in your life
who hasn’t been taking great care of their teeth, or if your senior loved one
has started experiencing oral health issues, we recommend you encourage them to
schedule a dental appointment and maybe even volunteer to accompany them to
ease their nerves. There are also ways they can boost their own dental health
at home, with seemingly small but significant everyday habits.
How to boost dental health in seniors
- Brush the teeth and gums at least twice a day
using a toothpaste that contains fluoride. Don’t brush too vigorously and
be gentle with the gums.
- Try to floss once a day. This can even be done
while sitting in front of the TV in the evenings.
- Avoid eating too many sugary foods, because sugar
can cause the teeth to decay. Eating a healthy, nutritious diet is good
for the whole body, including your teeth.
- Drink enough water every day, especially after
drinking coffee or red wine. Most of us enjoy starting our day with a nice
cup of hot coffee, but it’s notorious for staining the teeth, so always
follow it with a glass of water.
- Don’t smoke. Among the other negative health
effects that smoking causes, it also yellows your teeth.
- Be aware of any side effects your medications can
cause, and discuss them with your doctor and your dentist.
What seniors can expect during a dental exam
Whether you visit the dentist regularly
for teeth cleanings and exams, or it’s been years since your last check-up,
here’s what you can expect during a dental exam:
First, your dentist will review your
history, ask you about the current condition of your teeth and gums,
and confirm what will happen during your appointment. You can expect your
dentist to ask questions about any recent changes you’ve noticed to your oral
health, any concerns you have about fillings or crowns, and if you’re
experiencing any discomfort or pain. Then, you’ll have an oral exam during
which your dentist will examine your neck and your face, your bite, your jaw,
your salivary glands and lymph nodes, your tongue, the roof of your mouth, and
of course your teeth and gums.
If you have fillings, crowns, or wear
dentures, your dentist will check that they are still in good condition and
that they still fit your mouth properly. You may or may not have x-rays taken,
depending on how long it’s been since your last dental exam, and your dentist
will also give you a chance to discuss any issues or concerns.
We understand that visiting the dentist
can be intimidating, but rest assured your dentist will do everything possible
to make your exam pleasant. , pPlus, catching a dental issue while it’s
relatively small can prevent it from turning into a bigger and more painful
problem.
Prioritizing good hygiene and care at UMC
At our full-service assisted living communities,
we have associates on-site all hours of the day to support residents to live
their best life.
Our highly trained and compassionate
associates are there to check in on mom and dad throughout the day and assist
with any hygiene or personal care needs, including but not limited to, getting
dressed, going to the bathroom, washing their face or hair, and of course,
reminding them to brush their teeth!
For more information about our personal care
services, or if you have any questions about one of our assisted living
communities, please contact
our team at UMC or visit our website at: https://umcommunities.org
Original blog posted on https://umcommunities.org/blog/dental-health-in-seniors-explained/
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