With advancing age, oral health issues are also common in seniors. A few of the issues that are seen as darkened teeth, dry mouth, diminishing taste senses, root decays, loss of the tooth, gum issues, uneven jawbone, thrush, and even denture related issues if you are using one. While age need not necessarily be the factor causing the problems, it is the age-related issues like arthritis, certain medications, lousy diet or hygiene, etc., that can cause the above issues. Hence, caring for the teeth is something that every senior citizen should take seriously.
Oral Hygiene Tips
Plaque can build up very fast on the teeth and hence, it is essential to keep the teeth and mouth clean by brushing twice a day. Nowadays, we are spoilt for choices, but it is always better to use toothpaste with fluoride as that can help in keeping tooth decay away. Floss the teeth at least once a day, if not twice. This will assist in removing any particles stuck within the teeth. Rinse your mouth after consuming any food. This should be done even if you are using dentures. You may also try rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash, twice a day for better oral health.
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Apart from all this, visit the dentist, at least once in six months. This can help in spotting any issues early and getting it treated. Also, if any buildup has happened, the dentist can do one round of cleaning for you. When you visit a dentist, please make a prior note of any issues that you may have, like sensitivity, pain, bleeding, swelling, ulcers, etc. Even if you feel any loss of taste, please mention the same also. The dentist may do a thorough examination of many oral problems, especially if you have any symptoms.
If Using Dentures
Even if you are using dentures, it is essential to follow the oral hygiene for the mouth as well as the dentures. The dentures should be removed and brushed nicely and kept in the denture solution. Also, mouth and gums should be rinsed using any mouthwash or antiseptic solution as suggested by your dentist. The gums need to be brushed too, with a soft toothbrush.
Other Issues
Apart from all this, one other issue that can trouble not just the seniors, but for all is the bad breath. Sometimes, the bad breath emanating from the mouth is so bad that people are taken aback. Finding oneself in such a situation is unpleasant. Many factors like poor digestion, sinus issues, diabetes, and certain medications, apart from the foods that you have eaten, can cause bad breath. With diabetes, there could be extra glucose on your teeth and gums, leading to germs, and thus infections leading to bad breath. Mucus caused by sinus may lead to breeding of germs, which leads to the bad breath in your mouth. Apart from this, foods like onion, garlic, coffee, etc. are a big giveaway.
You may also have bad breath if you have a dry mouth. Dry mouth brings saliva production in the mouth to a halt and thus aids the bad breath. Another big factor causing the bad odor is smoking or chewing tobacco. There are many awareness programs that we have seen, that tell us about the harmful effects of tobacco, whether chewing or smoking, including cancer. Also, these two habits can cause terrible breath as well. These two habits can even stain your teeth. Hence, one should avoid the same or ensure to rinse with a good mouthwash often.
