subject: Seniors And Oral Health- Taking Care Of Your Teeth As You Age [print this page] Today's seniors are healthier than ever before-they have attitude that they will keep their own or the semblance of natural teeth throughout their lives. Missing spaces can be filled in many ways-dental implants, fixed bridges, and removable partials. Your dentist in Troy will be able to discuss with you what will work best for your personal needs. Many medications and systemic conditions can even cause changes in your oral environment such as dry mouth. Drs. Carmody and Halsey will recommend products that may help you because any untreated dental disease can create difficulty with eating, which can result in poor nutrition.
The Side Effects of Medication on Your Oral Health
Medication can have side effects other than dry mouth that can have a harmful effect on other parts of your body, including the mouth. Some of the side effects of medications include:
*Swollen or bleeding gums
*Overgrowth of gum tissue
*Fungal infections, such as thrush-some oral inhalers may cause this type of infection
*Weakness and tiredness-the adult could become too tired to care about hygiene
*Confusion
*Tooth decay-many medications have sugar in them or are syrupy-this can contribute to tooth decay
Maintaining a Daily Oral Hygiene Routine
At every age, regular daily care of the mouth and gums is important. The daily oral health care routine for an older adult who has his or her own teeth should include brushing at least twice a day. When brushing, be sure to use a regular or electric toothbrush with soft bristles, and remember to replace it regularly. Use a small amount of toothpaste-about the size of a pea. If toothpaste causes problems such as swallowing, try using a sensitive toothpaste, alcohol free mouthwash, or just water. Brush each tooth gently-front and back-in addition to your tongue. When done, let your toothbrush air-dry.
As an older adult, you may have difficulty flossing your own teeth. If this is so, have a family member or caregiver help you to correctly floss your teeth. Using a string of floss 18-24 inches long, wrap it around the middle finger of each hand. Grip the floss between your thumb and index finger of each hand. Begin with the lower front teeth, and then floss the upper front teeth. Remember to floss between all of your teeth and not just some. Work the floss gently between the teeth to the gum line by curving the floss around each tooth. Adjust the string of floss for each tooth.
It is also important to visit your Troy dentist at least twice a year for a professional cleaning and examination. If you have remaining natural teeth, you should also have your gums and oral tissues examined at least once a year.
Talk to Drs. Halsey and Carmody, your dentists in Troy, for more information on how to properly care for your teeth as an older adult. Remember, oral health care should not diminish as you age. Rather, it should significantly improve.
