As we age, our gums and teeth become more susceptible to various oral ailments. The CDC reports that gum disease becomes more rampant as we age. Besides that, older patients (60 and above) are also at a higher risk of oral cancer. To maintain a healthy and youthful smile, there are a couple of oral care practices that you can adopt.
1. Quit Smoking
Oral cancer risks increase as we age. The Oral Cancer Foundation indicates a link between tobacco and oral cancer. If you’re an older adult who smokes, try to cut down on smoking. It might be difficult at first, but try to reduce the number of cigarettes you smoke in a day to reduce the risk of oral cancer.
2. Brush Your Teeth Regularly
Brush your teeth daily — morning and evening — to prevent plaque buildup. Make sure to use fluoride toothpaste instead of a normal one. To make brushing a pain-free experience, buy a toothbrush with soft bristles.
If joint pains make it difficult to use a normal toothbrush, buy an electric toothbrush. It will thoroughly cleanse your teeth and reduce the chances of gum infection. If you are unable to find a toothbrush with soft-bristles, talk to a family dentist.
3. Take Proper Care of Your Dentures
If you wear dentures, clean them on a regular basis. Rinse them with water or use a brush with a denture cleaner to get rid of food particles. Avoid using a toothbrush with hard bristles, as it can damage the surface of your denture. Even if you exercise proper oral care at home, it’s still important to visit a dentist if you wear dentures. To keep your gums and mouth healthy, schedule a visit for denture care.
4. Schedule Regular Visits To The Dentist
Besides practicing at-home oral care, it’s also imperative to visit a professional every six months. A trip to the dentist will help identify any oral problems and help you take better care of your oral health.
If you’re in Germantown, feel free to schedule an appointment at Advanced Dental Center. Our dentists are experienced in providing emergency consultations as well. We will assist you with different forms of dental services; dental care, dentures care and dental cleaning among others.
If you are someone who feels comfortable in a laid-back and relaxed environment, then you can visit our clinic in Germantown.
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