4 Helpful Dental Hygiene Tips for Seniors

As the years go by, your body begins to show signs of age—your hair starts to grey, your skin starts to wrinkle, and you finally start to slow down. It’s not all bad, though; visits from your grandchildren and the wisdom that comes with age are two pluses. But something else to be mindful of as you grow older is your oral health; sometimes it’s not obvious, but your teeth can show signs of age too and jeopardize your health! Here are some tips from your dentist in Oshkosh to help you preserve your oral health and stay smiling throughout your golden years.

#1. Get Back to Basics and Practice Good Oral Hygiene

This is important throughout your whole life, but especially crucial when you’re older! In fact, the CDC estimates that roughly 34% of adults over the age of 65 have lost multiple teeth to gum disease and tooth decay. It is imperative that you brush and floss daily to minimize your risk of serious oral health problems! Using an antiseptic or antibacterial mouthwash is also encouraged.

If you encounter difficulty brushing due to age-related conditions like arthritis, or certain medications negatively influence your oral health, you will have to use extra care. Solutions like electric toothbrushes have been proven to clean teeth more effectively than manual ones, and they’re very easy to use! Talk with your dentist for other possible options and ideas.

#2. Avoid Bad Dental Habits

Those pearly whites have gone through a lot over the years, and bad dental habits can quickly expedite their destruction and leave you without functional teeth! Avoid chewing on objects like pencils or pen caps, don’t use your teeth to open bottles, and avoid biting into hard things you know you shouldn’t. Other poor habits like smoking and tobacco use have been linked to serious oral health problems like oral cancer, so it’s best to stay clear of them entirely.

#3. Make Good Choices at The Dinner Table

Tooth decay is still a looming threat when you’re older, and sugary foods and beverages can greatly increase the risk of cavities developing. Try to minimize your intake of drinks like soda and coffee, and when it comes to sweet treats, enjoy them moderately. Hard or starchy foods can also be potentially problematic, especially if you have dentures. Food particles can become stuck between your teeth or dislodge your dentures among other issues.

#4. Continue To Visit Your Dentist Regularly

Even if you take perfect care of your mouth, avoid bad habits, and watch what you eat, you still need to regularly visit your dentist when you’re older. These biannual appointments play a vital role in preventing serious oral health problems from developing. Your dentist can also effectively clean your teeth, easily removing stubborn plaque and tartar you can’t eliminate yourself.

Maintaining good oral health isn’t always easy, and it certainly doesn’t get any easier with age! However, these tips can help you preserve and protect your smile for many more years to come.

About the Author

Dr. Robert Heil has over 20 years of experience in dentistry, and he’s proud to serve patients and families in the Oshkosh community! His practice offers a wide range of dental services including general, restorative, cosmetic options and more. Dr. Heil received his dental doctorate from the University of Minnesota and is a member of many professional organizations including the American Dental Association, the Wisconsin Dental Association and more. If you have any questions for Dr. Heil or would like to schedule an appointment, you can contact him online or by phone: (920) 235-0320.