Your mouth can be prone to gum disease and cavities due to aging, you can also start experiencing tooth loss as you get older. Therefore, older adults could be at an increased risk for oral diseases. The functionality of our body changes with age, thus, it is important to be extra cautious regarding your general as well as dental health.
An unhealthy mouth and a few bad habits can give rise to oral cancer and the disease is quite common among older adults.
Today, we will talk about some of the useful tips which can help seniors achieve a healthy mouth.
Keep Your Mouth Moist:
Medications and aging go hand in hand and taking a lot of medicines can certainly cause dry mouth. You can have difficulties in swallowing your food due to lack of saliva and a dry mouth can also trigger bad breath. Therefore, it is very important to drink an adequate amount of water every day. Eating a lot of cheese, cucumbers, celery and carrots can help escalate the formation of saliva in your mouth.
Avoid Tobacco:
Smoking tobacco not only affects your oral health but, also gives rise to several other general health issues. The habit is extremely harmful for the geriatric population. You are already at a heightened risk for oral diseases when you age and smoking can elevate the risk. Tobacco plays a major role in causing gum disease. The tar and the nicotine give rise to a dental plaque which eventually leads to gum disease. Suffering from periodontal disease can be very painful during old age, it can even be one of the main reasons for tooth loss, thus, giving up on tobacco will be a wise decision.
Look After Your Dental Hygiene:
You may feel lethargic to brush and floss properly every day but, avoiding it can lead to several dental diseases. The trapped food particles may increase the formation of bacteria which can trigger tooth decay, periodontal disease, dental abscess and so on. However, a proper dental hygiene can help prevent your mouth from uncalled oral diseases. Along with brushing and flossing twice a day, also remember to keep your tongue clean because it is one of the common places for bacteria to reside.
Follow a Healthy Diet:
Good nutrition can definitely give your oral health a boost, thus, eating a lot of foods rich in nutrients and natural minerals can be very beneficial for an aging mouth. Try to avoid processed foods and cut down on having anything sugary.
You can get in touch with Long Falls Dentistry 315-497-6316 to book your appointment. Experience our affordable and effective dental services today.
