How to Maintain Good Oral Health as You Age

As we journey through life, our bodies change, and so do our dental needs. You just don’t want to neglect your teeth and gums in the process. Growing older can heighten the risk of certain oral issues, but you can maintain good oral health with the right measures. Today, we wanted to share some invaluable tips to protect your smile as you age.

  • Keep Up with Dental Checkups 

As you age, one of the best things you can do is to continue seeing your dentist regularly. We recommend you have a cleaning and exam every six months. However, it may be necessary to visit more often depending on any existing oral health concerns. For example, if you have gum disease, we’ll want to have you come in for regular cleanings. Most of all, by seeing us for routine dental checkups, we can detect potential issues as soon as possible for easier treatment and fewer consequences to your smile.

  • Stick to a Daily Oral Hygiene Routine 

Be diligent about brushing your teeth thoroughly two times per day as you age. Make sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. You need to spend at least two minutes brushing for each session, getting to all sides of your tooth surface. Don’t forget to replace your toothbrush every three to four months. You also want to incorporate a daily flossing habit. It’s the key to removing food particles from between teeth and near the gumline that you can’t get to only by brushing. Consider flossing alternatives like dental picks if you have dexterity issues. 

  • Watch What You Eat and Drink 

Your dietary choices impact your oral health too. Make sure to limit sugary foods and beverages that feed tooth-decaying bacteria. Water should be your primary source of hydration so that it can wash away food particles and bacteria in your mouth. Plus, since your risk of dry mouth can increase as you get older, keeping your mouth moist is more important than ever. Enjoy a diet rich in healthy produce like dark leafy vegetables and crunchy choices like apples and celery to clean teeth. 

  • Replace Any Missing Teeth 

If you have lost a permanent tooth, it’s important to replace them to avoid problems such as misalignment, bone loss in your jaw, bite problems, and more. Plus, when you don’t have all of your teeth in place, your dietary choices usually change, and not for the better. That’s why it’s important to visit us for replacement teeth options. We can replace one, several, or all of your teeth. Implants are also great if you want a lifelike solution to your missing tooth roots.

  • Discuss Gum Recession Treatment 

If you have receding gums, you don’t want to ignore them. Gum recession exposes your tooth roots, leading to tooth sensitivity and other problems. If it’s related to a gum infection, and left untreated, your run the risk of losing a tooth. We can perform a procedure called gum grafting that will cover exposed roots and stop additional recession.

We’d love to help you maintain good oral health through all seasons of your life.