The golden years of life are some of the most exciting and enjoyable for many people. Increased freedom and flexibility, growing families, and discounts at your favorite restaurants are just a few of the perks that come with age.
Of course, as your lifestyle evolves, so do your concerns and priorities. This is especially true of your health, as your body demands different types of care than it used to.
Your oral health and hygiene are no exception. Thankfully, with modern dental care and advances in medicine, the seemingly inevitable process of losing teeth or opting for dentures is no longer a requirement of growing older.
In fact, with the right dental care and oral hygiene habits, you can maintain a healthy, happy mouth. While you should consult your dentist for a personalized approach to keeping your teeth and gums healthy and pain-free, the tips below are a fantastic foundation on which to build your hygiene habits.
Embrace the Basics
From a young age, children are taught to brush their teeth twice a day and floss at least once per day. These guidelines do not change as you age. If anything, they become even more important. After all, kids lose their teeth and grow a shiny new set of adult chompers—you don’t!
Savor the Sweets in Moderation
Whether you like to treat yourself to dessert after dinner or you keep candy on hand for the grandkids, it’s easy to go overboard with sugary foods. While you don’t have to cut out sugar from your diet entirely (unless your doctor says so), limiting your intake will help your teeth stay healthy and strong.
When you do scratch that sweet tooth itch, be sure to drink plenty of water and brush afterward.
Drink Water
Proper hydration is vital for your body to perform optimally. Every system in your body relies on water to function, and your mouth is no different.
Drinking plenty of water helps balance the pH levels in your mouth, rinse away tiny bits of food that can lead to plaque buildup, and otherwise ensure your teeth and gums stay in prime condition.
Consistent Care and Cleaning
Your dentist is your best source of care, information, and personalized recommendations. By scheduling and maintaining regular visits, you ensure that your dentist is up to date on the wellbeing of your teeth and gums. Consistently visiting helps them spot potential problems before they can cause damage and guide you in preemptively correcting any issues.
Detail Dental Appliances
If you have dental appliances, including anything from dentures to water flossers, it is important to keep them clean. Even if you take great care to maintain healthy teeth, unsanitary dental appliances can pose a tremendous risk to your oral health and hygiene, as these items can be home to a buildup of bacteria.
As you age, the demands of your gums and teeth will be different than when you were younger. That does not mean that the difficulty necessarily increases, only that your priorities and approach to hygiene have to change with them.
If you are concerned about your oral health or simply want specific pointers on how to best care for your gums and teeth, simply reach out to your dentist. They will be happy to address your concerns, discuss your oral health, and offer you guidance on how to best keep your teeth and gums healthy for years to come!