Aging and Dental Health

As we age, it becomes even more vital to take good care of our teeth and overall dental health. One common misconception out there? Losing your teeth is inevitable. This is simply not true. You can absolutely prevent losing teeth if you follow good oral hygiene practices. In fact, if you care for them properly, your teeth can last a lifetime.

Your mouth changes as you get older. The nerves in your teeth get smaller, meaning your teeth will be less sensitive to cavities and other issues. Without regular dental exams, this can lead to disease and other risky problems due to late diagnoses. Almost anything can be treated if caught early enough.

If you want to feel good, get healthy, and look great throughout your life, make sure you maintain a healthy mouth. Keep up your dental hygiene in Studio City with regular visits to the dentist.

Tips for Maintaining and Improving Oral Health as You Age

• Brush twice a day with a soft bristle toothbrush or use an electric toothbrush.
• Clean between your teeth once a day with floss or another similar tool.
• If wearing full or partial dentures, clean them every day. Remove your dentures for at least four hours daily; it’s best to do this at night, suggests the ADA.
• Drink water with fluoride to prevent tooth decay.
• Quit smoking. This puts you at greater risk for lung cancer, but also boosts the chances of developing gum disease, tooth loss and tooth decay.
• Visit your dentist regularly for a complete check-up and regular x-rays.

When you adopt healthy oral habits at home, make smart choices about diet and lifestyle, and seek out regular dental care, your teeth can last a lifetime.

Caregiving for a Disabled or Elderly Loved One

If you have a parent, spouse, or friend who has difficulty maintaining good oral hygiene on their own, you can help them in the following ways:

• Remind them to brush and floss daily.
• Make sure they visit the dentist regularly.
• Encourage them to eat healthy and to not smoke.
• Assist them in brushing and flossing if they have difficulty managing this.

If your aging loved one is having a tough time with brushing and flossing, speak to their dentist or hygienist who can give you helpful tips or suggest a different approach that may work better. If your loved one wears dentures, monitor their eating habits. If they’re having trouble eating or haven’t been eating as much as usual, denture problems could be to blame.

When caring for someone who is bed-bound, oral health may fall by the wayside because they have so many other health problems that demand your attention. However, don’t neglect their oral care, as bacteria from the mouth can be inhaled into the lungs and lead to pneumonia.

Contact Studio City Dental Center

To maintain good oral care as you age, schedule an appointment with Studio City Dental today at 818-762-2977.