Seniors and Oral Health | Best Family Dentist Near Me

best family dentist

Your teeth age with you. It’s important to keep them strong and healthy even as you grow older. Seniors are at a higher risk for developing periodontal disease. In addition to getting a regular dental examination, here are some other tips shared by our Family 1st dentist to keep your teeth healthy.

Keep a Routine

Regardless of age, we cannot stress the importance of keeping up with a daily oral hygiene routine. Make sure you are brushing twice-daily and flossing at least once per day. For seniors with dentures, it is important that you remove them for at least four hours each day. We recommend removing them at night. Dentures need to be cleaned daily so make it part of your routine as well. We also suggest staying hydrated by drinking water. Not only does water help keep you producing enamel building saliva, but if it contains fluoride, it can help keep your teeth strong. Make a regular visit to our office part of your routine as well.

Tips for Caregivers

If you are the primary caregiver of someone elderly, working with them to keep their teeth healthy can be a challenge. It is up to you to remind them to brush and floss regularly. Help them by establishing a routine and set times for brushing their teeth. We ask that you assist them in making an appointment to visit our dental office. If keeping up with daily dental health seems to be too difficult, please contact our office. We can work with you to offer some advice and solutions. 

Financial Assistance

For seniors in a nursing home that are enrolled in state or national financial programs, the American Dental Association (ADA) suggests considering the Incurred Medical Expense regulation. This works to assist in paying for care that is deemed a necessity. If our dentist finds that treatment must be done, consider this as an option to lessen the financial burden. Talk to your nursing home or care facility’s caseworker for more information.

Don’t Forget About Gums

Periodontal disease, or gum disease, can be brought on by certain medications. When you visit our office, be sure to update us on any changes to your medications. At times, early periodontal disease is painless which makes it even more important that you keep a regular routine of visiting our office for a thorough dental cleaning and evaluation. According to the ADA, more than 47% of adults over the age of 30 have chronic periodontitis. 

Keeping your teeth healthy as you age can be difficult. We suggest sticking to a daily routine in terms of brushing and flossing, and keeping up with regular visits to our office. If you are the caregiver of an elderly spouse, parent, or loved one, do not overlook their oral health. Make sure they are receiving the needed attention and are sticking to a daily oral healthy routine. 

For more tips on keeping your teeth healthy or to set up your next appointment, please contact our Family 1st dental office.

Resources – The American Dental Association

Family 1st Dental
,

Return to Blog Articles

Our Dental News

The Connection Between Diet and Tooth Decay: Strengthening Your Teeth Through Good Nutrition | Family Dentist

It’s well-known that our diet plays a significant role in our overall health and well-being. However, many people may not realize that the foods and beverages we consume can also have a profound effect on our oral health, particularly the […]

Learn More

Revolutionizing Dental Care: How Dental Technology is Changing the Way We Treat Tooth Decay | Family 1st dental

At Family 1st Dental, we pride ourselves on offering top-notch dental care by leveraging the latest advancements in dental technology. In today’s rapidly evolving world, dental technology has become essential in diagnosing and treating tooth decay, allowing us to provide […]

Learn More

Beyond Wrinkles: The Surprising Benefits of Botox in Dentistry | Family First Dental

Exploring Botox in Dentistry: Enhancing Comfort at Family 1st Dental Botox, or Botulinum toxin, is renowned for its cosmetic applications in reducing wrinkles and fine lines. However, its role in dentistry has expanded significantly in recent years. At Family 1st […]

Learn More