Oral Health Tips for Older Adults

August 23, 2019 by Leave a Comment
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Oral Health Tips for Older Adults

As the saying goes, with age comes wisdom. The wisest adults pay special attention and care to their teeth to maintain exquisite oral health. Keeping your teeth in top shape as you age is vital to preserve your natural teeth. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately one-fourth of adults age 65 and older have no remaining teeth. Today, Dr. OmidFarahmand, a distinguished dentist in Arcadia, will point out some of the most common dental issues seniors need to be aware of and provide preventative tips to ensure good oral health.

Common Challenges to Oral Health

  • Root decay
  • Dry mouth
  • Fading sense of taste
  • Gum disease
  • Oral cancer
  • Tooth loss
  • Tooth discoloration

Tips to Maintain Oral Health as You Age

  • Increase fluoride intake: It’s important to brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste or rinse with fluoride mouthwash. Drinking tap water will also help prevent tooth decay because it contains fluoride.
  • Remain diligent with brushing and flossing: Brush twice a day with a soft-bristle toothbrush or electric toothbrush and be sure to floss once a day to remove plaque buildup.
  • Clean dentures: Whether you wear full or partial dentures, remember to follow your dentist’s instructions on how to properly clean and care for your dentures on a daily basis. Remove dentures for at least four hours a day.
  • Say no to smoking:Smoking not only increases your risk for developing lung, oral, and other types of cancers, but it also increases your chances of getting gum disease, tooth decay, or losing your natural teeth.
  • Read your medications carefully: Watch out for negative dental side effects from medications you may be taking. Some medications can cause dry mouth, which is dangerous for your oral health. Dry mouth allows plaque to build up quickly and can speed up tooth decay.
    • Aging is a beautiful process and we should take care of ourselves the best we can. For questions or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Farahmand, DMD, please contact OF Dental Care at 626.254.1948 or visit www.OFDentalCare.com for further information.

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