Throughout our life, teeth are exposed to various effects – both beneficial and negative. Negatively affecting them is food, improper care, irregular dental visits and other factors. Young people’s teeth are more resistant to various diseases, but in old age it becomes more difficult to avoid problems. This is primarily due to negligent attitude to the teeth, lack of proper treatment and prevention, as well as thinning of tooth enamel.
How to take care of teeth in old age
Due to natural aging processes occurring in a body, teeth in old age are exposed to various infections and destruction. At the same time, the gums and muscles of the oral cavity become weak, less saliva is produced, so the bacteria begin to multiply actively. In addition, drug treatment often has a very negative effect on the condition of teeth in old age.
Proper brushing of teeth
It shouldn’t be forgotten that daily observance of the rules of oral hygiene is the main guarantee of dental health in the elderly. Teeth are cleaned twice a day: in the morning and in the evening. The duration of this procedure should be at least 3 minutes.
Sometimes it is not possible to get to the hard-to-reach places with a toothbrush. In this case, you can use dental floss and special mouthwashes. In such a way you protect it from the multiplication of a variety of bacteria that facilitate the inflammation of gums. A toothbrush for the elderly should be changed every three months. Note that a toothbrush with a small head is much easier to use for the elderly.
Regular oral examination at the dentist’s
It is necessary to visit the dentist at least 2 times a year to check the condition of the teeth and oral cavity. Taking certain medications can lead to dry mouth, problems with the gums, weakening of the tooth enamel. And a dentist can give pieces of advice on how to avoid these unpleasant consequences.
Besides, if an elderly person uses dental prostheses and crowns, a regular visit to the dentist will help to monitor their condition and prevent the development of complications.
If there is a possibility, care should be taken to conduct professional oral hygiene, which allows removing dental deposit (dental calculus and plaque). This will not only provide prevention of caries and periodontal diseases, but, as numerous studies have shown, can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Monitor your diet. Healthy diet – healthy teeth!
People in old age are particularly in need of vitamins and minerals. The most important element for the teeth, especially in the elderly, is calcium. Unfortunately, after the age of forty, it accumulates rather badly in the bones and is even washed out, increasing their fragility. Also in the elderly, the body needs vitamins D, A, C and others. With nutrient substances the body is nourished by healthy food, as well as by various vitamin complexes.
Try to eat a piece of cheese at the end of each meal. This product helps to maintain the strength of teeth, especially in old age.
In order to strengthen teeth and gums in old age, twice a day drink half a glass of water with two teaspoons of lemon juice (if you have no contraindications to this product!). After eating it is helpful to chew the cloves. This product also helps to strengthen teeth and gums in old age.
Try not to abuse sweet. Before you drink a cup of tea or coffee in the morning, eat a small piece of a solid food. Also a special benefit for teeth in old age brings a glass of pure water with a spoon of honey mixed in it. Such a drink can be consumed in the morning instead of the usual tea. With its help, you will get rid of the potential danger of developing a dental disease, and also be able to cure the already existing ones.
Elderly people should not mix too cold and hot food (for example, drink hot coffee immediately after eating the ice cream).
Sensitivity of gums to cold and hot can warn of the onset of a disease, a crack in a teeth or caries. Do not ignore these symptoms; do not hesitate to contact your dentist.
Rinse your mouth more often with water
Even if the elderly person no longer has own teeth, it is recommended to regularly rinse the mouth with water – this will help to prevent problems with the oral mucosa.
Observe the rules of denture care
Remember that when chewing food dental plate moves, so it must be fixed with special glue. Sometimes in the elderly who wear dentures, salivation increases. In this case, you can suck lollipops or menthol tablets.
After eating, it is recommended to remove dentures and wash them in warm water with soap, then rinse and use as directed.
Teeth in old age lose their strength, so they require additional care. With the help of special antibacterial tablets you not only eliminate the bacteria, but also get rid of bad breath. Dissolve one tablet in a glass of water and put the prosthesis there for 15 minutes.
Every day, treat the gums with a warm solution (one teaspoon of salt per glass of water).
Also you should perform every day massage of gums. Periodically remove the dentures, so that the gums can rest. Do not remove the prosthesis for more than one day, because the cheeks and lips can lose shape. Protect the prosthesis from overheating and mechanical damage.
To maintain healthy teeth in old age, you should regularly take care of the oral cavity and follow simple rules of hygiene.
