Oral health is one of the most important things you can do for overall health. The mouth is the gateway to the body, and so keeping it healthy is essential. Oral health becomes a significant topic for seniors, as maintaining overall health becomes vital to disease prevention, in addition to issues with ageing such as xerostomia (dry mouth).
Modified Toothbrush
There are now plenty of senior-specific toothbrush models on the market to make holding a toothbrush easier for those with arthritis or mobility issues. Your dentist should be able to recommend one, or you can easily find them online and in some specialty health shops.
Xerstomia
Dry mouth, or xerostomia, is a frequent condition in seniors, normally caused by prescription medication. The problem is the lack of saliva leads to tooth decay and gum disease. If you or a senior you know is experiencing dry mouth, visit your dentist immediately.
Cavities
Many seniors nowadays will keep most of their natural teeth, so cavities become a prevalent concern on old teeth. To avoid frequent dental work that may be a health risk, keep good hygiene and have teeth cleaned by a dental hygienist frequently.
False Teeth and Dentures
Just because they aren’t natural teeth, doesn’t mean that they aren’t equally important – they are, after all, in your mouth. False teeth or dentures require just as much attention to hygiene as natural teeth. Make sure you follow your dentist’s instructions to maintain them, and keep bad germs out of your mouth and body.