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Aging affects all our body systems and our mouth is no exception. Taking good care of oral health can go a long way to keep the mouth healthy throughout life.
Many factors affect oral health with age:
- Natural wear and tear of teeth through years of grinding, chewing and exposure to acidic foods, carbonated beverages, etc.
- Gradual loss of external layers which makes the teeth more sensitive.
- Natural recession of gums with age, exposing the root surface to more cavities.
- Decay around old fillings.
- Production of lesser saliva and taking medications for different conditions which can also contribute to dry mouth, thus increasing the chances of tooth decay.
- Difficulty among some older adults to properly take care of their teeth.
- Poor nutrition and dehydration due to not drinking enough water.
- Harmful habits like smoking which increase the chances of oral cancer.
What steps can we take to keep our mouth healthy?
Here are a few tips for older adults to keep their teeth young and healthy for a lifetime:
- Brush twice daily with soft bristle toothbrush and floss regularly.
- Use electric toothbrushes as these can be helpful for patients under care or for those who find it difficult to brush properly.
- If wearing dentures, clean them daily and remove them at night.
- Drink fluoridated water as it helps to prevent tooth decay and to stay healthy.
- Eat balanced meals.
- Quit smoking to reduce overall health risks.
- Visit your dentist regularly.