Keeping smiles bright: Oral health tips for seniors

(NC) As we age, maintaining good oral health becomes increasingly important. Seniors face unique challenges, such as dry mouth, which can put them at higher risk for cavities. Additionally, bacteria from the mouth can travel through the body and impact the heart and lungs, affecting overall health and well-being. However, there are ways to reduce your risk.

Oral health-care tips for all seniors:

• Regularly visit a dental hygienist to receive preventive care.
• Have a consistent daily oral care routine that includes brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and cleaning between teeth.
• Use an antibacterial mouthrinse to help prevent issues like gum disease, cavities, and tooth loss.
• For people with cognitive or physical challenges, caregivers can assist with these tasks to ensure proper oral hygiene.

Additional things for those with dentures to know:

• Your dentures require just as much care as natural teeth and should be cleaned after each meal.
• Plaque can still build up, which can cause cavities, malodours, sores, and irritation.
• Rinse and brush dentures using a soft-bristled denture brush and mild liquid soap. Then, brush the gums, tongue, and roof of the mouth with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
• It is critical to remove dentures overnight to allow the gums to breathe. Place dentures in a container of water or mild denture-cleansing solution and rinse them well in the morning before putting them back in your mouth.

Good oral health is not just about keeping your mouth and teeth clean; it also affects overall well-being. Poor oral health can lead to eating difficulties, malnutrition and even serious health conditions. So it's crucial for seniors to prioritize their oral care to maintain their quality of life.

Learn more about ways to protect your oral health at dentalhygienecanada.ca.