Q. As I get older, I find that it is more difficult for me to care for my oral health. What are some things I can do to maintain good oral health?
A. First and foremost, do not neglect your dental visits. Even if you do not have teeth, you should visit your dentist regularly (once a year).
Good home care is also essential in maintaining your oral health going into the Senior years. Brushing and flossing at least twice a day will remove plaque from your teeth. In cases where brushing and flossing may be difficult or painful due to health issues, such as arthritis, cleaning aids such as electric toothbrushes and hydrofloss may help do some of the work for you. Home fluoride treatments and mouth rinses also work well. Come to see me and I can tell you more about these products.
However, you must be careful with mouth rinses that contain alcohol. Alcohol contributes to dry mouth, which is one of the leading problems with declining dental health and old age. Dry mouth may lead to tooth decay, gingivitis and/or gum disease, which can result in tooth loss. Dry mouth may also be a result of taking multiple medications. Having a normal saliva flow helps to keep cavity causing bacteria out of your mouth. If you are instructed to take several different medicines, know that this decreases your saliva flow. How can you prevent dry mouth? Drinking lots of water is certainly helpful. There are also medications that can be prescribed by your dentist to increase saliva flow. Call 256-350-2047 or 256-882-9780 for a consultation and I can tell you more.
Yes, caring for your oral health can be a challenge as you age, but remember that it is very important that you maintain a healthy mouth. Your oral health is also linked to diabetes, heart disease, and strokes. More on this will be discussed soon….
