According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 25% of adults over 60 no longer have any natural teeth, and nearly 23% of senior citizens between the ages of 65 and 74 have severe gum disease. As such, dentists encourage individuals in their golden years to prioritize dental care to maintain a healthy and beautiful smile. Here are a few dentist-approved recommendations to embrace, so you can enjoy excellent oral health during this life stage. 

4 Oral Care Tips for Senior Citizens

1. Maintain a Healthy Oral Hygiene Routine

Unless you have full dentures, it’s important to continue a strict oral hygiene routine every day, including brushing and flossing your natural teeth every morning and evening. By continuing these preventive measures, you’ll reduce the odds of tooth decay, surface stains, and gum disease. 

2. Keep Your Dentures Clean

Seniors with removable dentures should focus on keeping these devices sanitary so that bacteria and food debris do not irritate the gums or cause bad breath. This process should include brushing your dentures with a special cleaning solution every day and soaking them overnight in water or a cleaning solution. Taking your dentures out overnight will also give your gums a break and minimize any mild irritation that daily wear can cause. 

3. Stay Hydrated

Many medications result in dry mouth. In addition, the natural aging process and habits like tobacco use can exacerbate this problem. Dry mouth often leads to bad breath, tooth decay, and gum disease since saliva is not helping wash away bacteria and food debris. With this in mind, seniors should prioritize drinking plenty of water, quitting smoking, and reducing the intake of sugary beverages like soda and fruit juice that can make the issue worse. 

4. See Your Dentist Regularly

Schedule visits to your family dentist twice a year for professional teeth cleaning. Depending on your unique needs, frequent visits might be recommended to treat gum disease, maintain dentures, or discuss other cosmetic options such as dental implants to help your ability to speak, eat, and maintain your natural face shape. 

If you’re in Guilford County, NC, and looking for a dedicated family dentist who can help you restore or maintain a stunning smile, Judy Walker, DDS, can help. With over 25 years of experience and a reputation for providing top-notch oral care in a warm, inviting, and highly personal environment, you’ll feel confident in the dental chair. Call (336) 275-1472 today to schedule an appointment, and visit their website to learn more about their services, including dentures, dental implants, and teeth whitening services.