As the years go by, it is important to continue to take targeted actions to take care of your teeth, including visiting the dentist regularly and maintaining good habits at home. It is also essential to make changes to oral care and hygiene as the years pass, so that your attentions are effective and adapted to the conditions of your mouth. In general, maintaining healthy teeth requires continuous commitment, diligence and the desire to change your habits if necessary.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Changing Your Tooth Care As You Age
Step 1. Buy another type of toothbrush
As you age, it becomes more and more difficult or incorrect to brush your teeth as usual. As the years pass, you need to use a soft-bristled toothbrush. Also, if you have arthritis, it can be difficult to brush your teeth with a regular one. In this case, you can use one with a particularly long handle or invest in an electric toothbrush.
- A soft toothbrush can protect the gums and tooth enamel, which is undergoing an aging process.
- A long-handled toothbrush allows you to keep your arm down while brushing your teeth.
- An electric toothbrush will allow you to apply less pressure when washing, while still ensuring thorough cleaning.
Step 2. Don't let your mouth dry out
Over the years, people are more likely to suffer from xerostomia. This could be due to changes affecting the mouth or medicines that dry out the jaws. Xerostomia can affect the health of your teeth, as saliva protects them from cavities and helps to clean them.
- To counteract xerostomia, you should drink more water and hold it in your mouth for a few seconds before swallowing.
- Also, you can suck on a sugar-free candy or lozenge, or chew sugar-free gum, to stimulate saliva production.
Step 3. If you have any medical problems, talk to your dentist
If any pathologies develop over the years, you should inform your dentist, as they may affect your dental care. Diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer can have a serious impact on oral health, so the specialist must intervene.
Step 4. If you take any medications, inform your dentist
As they age, many people take more medications. Some can affect your teeth and oral health. List all the medicines you use, so that your dentist can consider them to take care of your mouth.
For example, blood-thinning medications, such as aspirin and warfarin, can cause excessive bleeding when your dentist takes care of your teeth
Step 5. Try to see a dentist who specializes in the care of older people
There are professionals who work mainly in this field. This allows them to offer specific care for the particular needs of this age.
Generally you can find a dentist who specializes in elderly care on the internet or by asking for a tip to the one you are currently being treated by
Method 2 of 3: Get Proper Dental Care
Step 1. Get your teeth cleaned every six months
As you age it is important to do it regularly. Not only will it allow you to have beautiful and healthy teeth, the dentist will also be able to spot any problems well in advance, before they get worse.
Over the years, the nerves of the teeth become less sensitive. This means that you may not feel any disturbance. Consequently, it is important to undergo a regular examination
Step 2. If you think you have a problem, you should go to the dentist as soon as possible
While fearing the potential pain that a visit may cause you or being afraid of the costs involved in the procedures because you have a limited budget, it is still preferable to get examined.
- Paying to fix a minor dental problem in the long run will cost you significantly less than a long and painful treatment. However, you may want to consider whether you have options to avoid spending too much on you, such as paying in installments, using insurance, or getting treated by dental students.
- Toothache can also prevent you from eating enough. If they hurt you and it affects your daily life, you should treat the disorder right away.
Step 3. Learn about treatments for protective purposes
Ask your dentist to suggest treatments that can protect your teeth even more from various damage. Two of the most common are fluoroprophylaxis and sealing.
- Fluoroprophylaxis consists of administering fluoride. This strengthens the enamel and makes the teeth less prone to cavities. It can be done every six months.
- Sealing involves applying a plastic or resin coating to the crevices of the teeth. It protects them from bacteria and food that could get stuck in the cracks. It can last up to 10 years.
Method 3 of 3: Maintain Good Oral Hygiene Habits
Step 1. Brush your teeth twice a day
It is important to maintain good oral hygiene as the years go by. The first thing to do is brush your teeth twice a day. This removes the food particles and bacteria responsible for tooth decay.
Tooth sensitivity can worsen with advancing age. You can combat the problem by using a soft toothbrush and desensitizing toothpaste
Step 2. Use dental floss every day
In addition to brushing your teeth, you have to clean the gaps between them, which cannot be done effectively with a toothbrush. Instead, you need dental floss or a flossing device.
- If you don't use it, plaque, food and bacteria can build up between your teeth.
- Be careful when passing it below the gum line, so as not to damage your gums, especially if you are taking medications that can make you bleed easily.
Step 3. Make sure you are getting enough fluoride
As you age, it is important to do this, as it helps protect your teeth from damage that occurs with use. For older people, it is especially important to protect the delicate tooth surface below the gum line, as the gums usually recede over the years.
You can take it through toothpaste, mouthwash, or tap water to which fluoride has been added
Step 4. Clean your dentures
If you have a complete or partial one, it is important to sanitize it. Take it off every night, make sure you clean it thoroughly, let it soak, and rinse it before putting it back in your mouth.
- When you start wearing dentures, you should be instructed on how to clean them properly. Among other things, you usually have to let it soak overnight and brush it with a special cleaner.
- With your dentures removed, you should also clean the inside of your mouth. Make sure you brush the gums, tongue, and roof of the mouth.
Step 5. Avoid smoking
Over time it can cause severe damage to the teeth. If you have this habit, you are at greater risk of suffering from gum disease, tooth decay and tooth loss, not to mention other health problems.
Talk to your doctor about programs that are right for you. It is never too late to quit smoking
Step 6. Treat your teeth gently
To keep them healthy for a long time, it is important to take good care of them. In addition to having good oral hygiene, you should avoid biting or chewing on hard foods or ice. This can cause teeth to chip or crack, causing damage that will need to be repaired by a dentist.
If you have chipped teeth, go to the dentist right away. When the enamel is compromised, the tooth becomes more vulnerable to tooth decay. The specialist can help you protect chipped areas and repair them
Step 7. Avoid drinks that can damage your teeth
Carbonated or acidic drinks, such as Coke or fruit juice, can erode the enamel. Alcohol can also ruin them. If your oral health is important to you, you should avoid these drinks whenever possible.
