Bloomsburg, Danville, and Lewisburg, PA
Growing older is a natural process that changes your looks and impacts your overall health. Unfortunately, the changes also affect your teeth and gums, which is why it’s crucial to continue daily brushing and flossing, and visit the dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings. At Hamilton Dental Care, a leading dental office in Bloomsburg, we encourage aging adults to keep their dental checkups and exam appointments since they have an increased risk of tooth decay and dental diseases. Today on the blog, our dental team shares what to know about aging and oral health so that you can actively protect your teeth and gums.
Brushing your teeth twice a day is pivotal in maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Using a hard-bristled or medium-bristled toothbrush could cause damage to your tooth enamel and sensitive gum tissue. Therefore, choose a soft-bristled version and use a gentle circular motion, instead of vigorous back and forth scrubbing, to effectively clean your teeth without harming your gums. Our Bloomsburg dentists recommend an electric toothbrush for patients who struggle with dexterity issues, as it can help better clean your teeth. Although the electric toothbrush doesn’t need to be the most expensive model, it should meet the American Dental Association’s (ADA) approval. When brushing, use a fluoridated toothpaste to help rebuild your natural tooth enamel and provide added protection against cavities. Finally, oral rinses aren’t necessary for daily oral care, but they can help you maintain fresh breath and boost confidence.
According to the ADA, flossing once a day removes food debris and harmful bacteria from between your teeth where your toothbrush cannot reach. It’s ideal to floss your teeth after your last meal of the day to remove food particles and prevent bacterial build-up and damage while you sleep. However, our Bloomsburg dental office that offers oral care for seniors warns patients that avoiding daily flossing increases the risk of cavities and gum disease, no matter how well you brush your teeth. Therefore, floss your teeth every night before bed. However, if string floss poses challenges, consider purchasing a water flosser. Although string floss provides more efficient results, utilizing a water flosser can still deliver quality results when compared to not flossing at all.
Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated, prevent dry mouth, and wash away food particles and harmful bacteria that could damage your teeth and gums. Aging adults often battle dry mouth caused by medication side effects. However, dry mouth can become a problem at any age, regardless of health. Lewisburg family dentists explain that your dry mouth could provide critical components for bacterial growth leading to tooth decay or gum disease. Therefore, when you sip on water instead of sugar-filled drinks, you reduce your risk of tooth decay and are more likely to have better overall health.
Although some people view dental checkups and cleanings as an inconvenience, they are vital to your oral health condition as you age. When you visit our Bloomsburg dental office for preventive care, we carefully examine your oral health to determine potential issues that may need treatment. Early detection of oral concerns can help prevent extensive damage and expensive treatments. Ignoring cavities, tooth sensitivity, or damaged teeth can exacerbate the problem and cause more severe conditions. Therefore, visit our office twice a year for checkups and cleanings to monitor your gums and jawbone and receive an oral cancer screening, even if you wear dentures.
Oral Care for Seniors in Bloomsburg, Danville, and Lewisburg, PA
Your oral health becomes more susceptible to damage and disease as you age. However, when you take proper precautions, you can protect your smile. With brushing, flossing, and regular visits at Hamilton Dental Care, you can maintain a healthy, beautiful smile no matter your age. Feel free to contact our office for more information about oral care for seniors by calling (570) 387-0533 or contact us online to request an appointment today.
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