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As you reach retirement and get ready to enjoy your golden years, it’s just as important to take good care of your teeth and gums. This is because as you age, maintaining good oral hygiene can prevent problems like tooth loss, tooth decay, and headaches. Also, a healthy mouth allows you to enjoy all the foods you know and love.
For those who have health conditions like heart disease or diabetes, you must take good care of your oral health. To keep your teeth and gums in check, here are some tips that every senior can benefit from.
Brush Twice a Day
Regardless of what age you are, brushing your teeth twice each day is key for maintaining excellent oral health. As such, it’s crucial that you schedule regular checkups with a professional dentist like this dentist in Melbourne. If you fail to do so, plaque can quickly build up, which can increase your risk of gum disease or tooth decay. Make sure you’re using a fluoride toothpaste, and it’s advised to brush after breakfast and before you go to sleep. If you struggle to use a manual toothbrush, it may be time to look at an electric one. Electric toothbrushes are more effective at getting rid of plaque and keeping your mouth clean.
Floss Once a Day
On top of brushing your teeth twice a day, you need to remember to floss too. This is because food particles can get left behind, even if you’ve used your toothbrush. Therefore, using flossing string or a flossing pick is key. If you have difficulty flossing, your dentist may recommend a water flosser instead. Don’t feel frightened if you notice your gums bleed when you begin flossing. This is normal and should subside once you floss regularly.
Look for Changes in Your Mouth
Once you reach retirement age, your risk of getting mouth cancer increases. Therefore, it’s your job to look for any changes in your mouth. You should speak to your dentist or see a doctor if you notice symptoms like a spot on your lip, in your mouth, or your throat feels sore or uncomfortable. Other symptoms include a thick area in the throat, lip, or mouth, as well as a red or white patch in your mouth. Only you will know your body, so if something doesn’t feel right, you must get it checked out immediately. Don’t delay in seeking treatment.
See Your Dentist Regularly
One of the best things you can do when comes to maintaining your oral health is by seeing your dentist regularly. Whether you have any concerns or are due a check-up, your dentist can examine your teeth and gums, perform X-rays, and offer treatments to keep your mouth in check. No matter how old you are, make sure you pick up the phone and book a dental appointment. Some seniors may have a fear of the dentist. If you’re one of them, it’s worth bringing a loved one along to the appointment to reduce stress.
Consider Cosmetic Treatment
As you live out your golden years, you’ll want to feel happy both on the inside and outside. If you aren’t satisfied with how your teeth look, why not consider braces? You’re never too old for a smile makeover. There are invisible braces from Straight My Teeth that you can use, which means you won’t have to worry about brackets and wires. Of course, you’ll want to know the costs involved, so you can check out their guide to find out the price of braces and aligners in the UK. Once you know the clear brace cost UK, you can budget accordingly.
Watch What You Eat
The diet you follow can have a negative effect on your oral health. Many retirees want to put their feet up and eat all the foods they love, but this can come at a cost to your teeth and gums. To retain a healthy mouth, you need to stick to a balanced diet. Make sure you’re eating lots of fruits and vegetables, which will benefit your teeth. No one is saying you can’t have a sweet treat from time to time, but try and see it as an occasional treat, rather than the norm.
Use Mouthwash
When you brush and floss your teeth, round off the routine by gargling with mouthwash. Mouthwash is used to prevent cavities, freshen your breath, and lower the amount of plaque on and in between your teeth. Also, mouthwash destroys bacteria, which will leave you with a cleaner and fresher mouth. If you use mouthwash each day, it’s a fantastic way of freshening your breath.
Advancing age puts many seniors at risk for several oral health problems. To prevent gum disease, tooth decay, or tooth loss, making use of the tips above can help you keep hold of your teeth and maintain a healthy mouth for many years to come.