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As people grow older, they face various oral health issues that impact their overall quality of life. Perhaps you’re vulnerable to age-related problems that stem from the mouth. For this reason, dentists in Fairfield encourage you to keep your teeth and gums in optimal condition by following several practical tips. We’ve pulled them together to help you get started.

Oral Health Tips for Older Adults

Brush Twice a Day

You’ll want to brush your teeth using a soft-bristled toothbrush twice daily for at least two minutes. After placing your toothbrush against your teeth at a 45-degree angle to the gums, use gentle circular motions as you brush your teeth’s fronts, backs, and chewing surfaces.  

While brushing your teeth eliminates plaque and debris from your teeth, brushing your gums removes plaque buildup along the gumline. While you’re at it, avoid brushing too hard because this can lead to gum irritation. Consider switching to an electric toothbrush if you have health issues that limit your movement.

Floss Daily

Flossing between your teeth daily helps remove plaque and food particles in areas your toothbrush can’t reach. If you have difficulty using traditional dental floss, you can use an interdental brush, water flosser, dental pick, oral irrigator, or pre-threaded flossers. Your dentist can help you determine the best alternative based on your unique needs and abilities.

Increase Fluoridation

Fluoride is a mineral that helps protect your enamel and strengthen your teeth. Moreover, dentists typically encourage older patients at risk of tooth decay and cavities to use fluoride toothpaste or include a fluoride rinse in their regular oral hygiene routine.

Rinse with an Antibacterial Mouthwash

Besides eliminating harmful bacteria, rinsing your mouth with an ADA-approved antibacterial mouthwash after brushing or flossing helps prevent plaque buildup.

Quit Smoking

Smoking or chewing tobacco products increases your risk of oral cancer, heart disease, and other health conditions. Aside from causing various oral health problems, including tooth decay and gum disease, this habit stains or discolors teeth, promotes bacterial growth due to its sugar content, reduces salivary flow, suppresses the body’s ability to fight off oral infections, and slows down the body’s healing process.

Hydrate

Drinking more water helps prevent potential tooth decay because water washes away bacteria and sugar. Furthermore, hydration helps neutralize the acid in your mouth.

Ensure Proper Denture Care

Although dentures are long-term tooth replacement solutions in older adults, these dental appliances require special care. For this reason, you’ll want to follow your dentist’s instructions on denture care so you can get the most out of your brand-new smile.

Take Your Recommended Calcium

Since calcium helps keep your teeth strong and healthy as you age, you’ll want to know your recommended calcium. Dentists recommend that seniors take 1,000 milligrams of calcium daily from food sources or supplements.

See Your Dentist Regularly

It’s best to schedule dental appointments every six months so your dentist can check your teeth, gums, and mouth. Furthermore, these visits ensure you’re one step ahead of potential oral health concerns.

Looking for Experienced Dentists in Fairfield?

At Brooklawn Dental Associates, we offer quality dentistry for the whole family. Our team of knowledgeable and highly-trained dental professionals has years of experience diagnosing and treating oral health problems while providing patients with what they need to retain a healthy and beautiful smile. We’re happy to tend to patients from their childhood years through adulthood. Contact us today to make an appointment.

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