As we grow older, our body undergoes a number of changes and this includes the deterioration of certain functions and organs. One of the most common age-related problems is teeth issues. Older people are at a higher risk of having problems with their teeth such as gum disease, tooth decay, and even tooth loss. However, there are some things we can do to keep our teeth in good condition for as long as possible.
This article shares 6 tips that can help prevent teeth issues associated with old age.
Change your diet and oral hygiene routine
Healthy eating and proper oral hygiene will help reduce your risk of developing teeth issues. It is important that you pay attention to your sugar and starch intake as these can contribute to cavities and gum disease. If you have dentures, you should be aware that they’re more likely to trap food particles and bacteria. As such, you should clean your dentures thoroughly after each meal. You should also consider changing your daily oral hygiene routine as you get older. For example, you should replace your toothbrush every 3 months or sooner if the bristles begin to look frayed.
Get a mouth guard
As you get older, you’re more likely to experience dental issues such as cracked teeth or a broken denture. One way to prevent these is by getting a mouth guard that protects your teeth and gums during sleep. They come in different sizes, so you should choose one that fits comfortably and isn’t too bulky. It’s worth noting that mouth guards aren’t only for sports. People who have a history of teeth issues or those who are at a high risk of dental injury should consider wearing a mouthguard while sleeping.
Brush with soft bristles
One of the things you can do to prevent tooth decay is brushing your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Hard bristles can damage your gums, causing them to bleed and become sensitive. In turn, this can lead to tooth decay, especially if you don’t clean your teeth thoroughly after each meal.
Avoid sugary and starchy food
In our golden years, our teeth naturally begin to lose some of their strength. This means that you should be extra careful with your teeth, especially when eating sugary or starchy foods. It’s recommended that you avoid eating foods that are high in sugar as they’re the most likely to cause tooth decay. You can also protect your teeth by chewing sugar-free gum which helps reduce tooth decay by increasing saliva flow. Starchy foods such as rice, pasta, and bread can also damage your teeth. This occurs when these foods are left on your teeth for too long and are not removed by thorough tooth brushing.
Choose soft foods over crunchy ones
As a senior, it’s important to select foods that will protect your teeth and gums. Crunchy foods such as carrots and hard pieces of meat can wear down your teeth, leading to tooth erosion. To prevent tooth erosion, you should choose soft foods over crunchy ones. You should also eat your food in small portions and avoid chewing on the same piece of food for too long.
Don’t forget to floss and use a tongue scraper
Flossing helps prevent gum disease by removing food particles that are stuck between your teeth. If you have missing teeth, you should clean your teeth thoroughly and use a tongue scraper to remove food particles from your tongue. Finally, you should be aware that certain medications can cause dry mouth. Dry mouth is common in people who take certain medications such as antidepressants and certain types of blood pressure drugs. It’s important to remain vigilant when you have dry mouth as it can cause your teeth to weaken over time.
Conclusion
Aging is inevitable, but there are plenty of things you can do to prevent teeth issues associated with old age. It’s important to remember that taking care of your teeth doesn’t end when you’re younger. In fact, it’s even more important to take care of your teeth as you get older as your body will start deteriorating.
