Caring for your dental health is a lifelong process, but it can get a little harder to manage once you get up there in age. Cavities and crowns aren’t just for the young at heart, and because some dental conditions are harder to treat when you’re older, it’s important that you are vigilant about caring for your tooth health as you age. Below, we share some tips for protecting your teeth and gums after the age of 60.
Caring For Your Aging Teeth
A lot of the following tips are great advice at any age, but they are even more important now that your teeth have been put to the test for decades. Here are some smart tips for protecting your teeth after the age of 60.
- Daily Dental Routine – Twice a day, you should be in the habit of brushing, flossing and using mouthwash to clean and protect your teeth.
- Regular Cleanings – Be sure to continue to get semi-annual dental cleanings and checkups.
- Medication Management – Talk to your dentist and doctor about any oral side effects from medications, including dry mouth, jaw pain or bleeding gums.
- Water is Your Friend – Make sure water is your most consumed drink each day, and try to always have some nearby.
- Sugar-Free Gum and Lozenges – Sugar-free gum and lozenges can help to stimulate saliva production, which is important for helping maintain appropriate levels of bacteria in your mouth and preventing plaque buildup.
- Avoid Acids – Avoid overconsumption of highly acidic foods and beverages. When eating or drinking these items, do so with water to help remove acids from teeth surfaces.
- Regular Mouth Checks – Conduct daily or weekly checks of your mouth to look for redness, sores or anything out of the ordinary. The earlier cancer is caught, the better the treatment success rates.
- Denture Care – If you have partial or full dentures, be sure to read up on this post we put together on how to best care for your dentures and gums.
- Calcium and Vitamins – Strive to get your daily dose of vitamins and minerals from your diet, as calcium and other nutrients play a key role in the health of your teeth and gums.
- Proactively Treat Pain – Finally, if you notice pain in your tooth or jaw, don’t just ignore the pain and hope it goes away on its own. Proactively treat the issue by visiting a dentist. You don’t need to live with oral pain, and a fix may be easier than you imagine. Contact Dr. Brooks to schedule your appointment today!
For more information or for answers to your dental questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Dr. Brooks’ office today.
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