Let’s be honest: your dental health is one of those things you don’t think about until there is a problem.
You’d say you’re brushing your teeth like it’s second nature, occasionally flossing, and maybe even using mouthwash when you’re feeling fancy. But keeping your teeth and gums in great shape as you age takes more than just the basics.
Else, you’ll suffer from dry mouth, gum issues, cavities, or, worse, oral cancer. According to MedlinePlus, these are the common dental health problems older adults often face.
Here, we’ll share some tips that will help you keep your teeth, as well as gums, in great shape, no matter your age.
#1 Brush Daily and Do it Right
You’ve heard it since childhood, but we’d say it again: brush your teeth twice a day. That is mainly because it works.
Regular brushing has always been the gold standard for oral hygiene. Brushing removes plaque from the teeth’s surface. That prevents buildup, which can lead to gum disease.
It’s not just about doing it, however; rather, It’s about doing it right. Dentist Anne Clemons, DMD, advises spending two minutes brushing the teeth. Even if your teeth look clean, he explains that less than two minutes is still insufficient time to clean them thoroughly.
Don’t just go at your teeth like you’re scrubbing a dirty dish, however. Or, it will wear down the enamel and irritate the gums. Use gentle, circular motions, angling your brush towards the gum line to remove plaque effectively.
A pro tip: use electric toothbrushes. They make brushing easier, and many models even come with timers to ensure you give each tooth its due.
#2 Watch What You Eat
You’re no alien to the fact that sugary snacks and drinks wreak havoc on your teeth. But it’s not just sugar that can cause trouble.
Acidic foods and drinks can wear away at your enamel over time—no wonder your teeth become more prone to decay. Some of them include tomatoes, citrus or citrus-flavored foods, honey, dried fruits, and yogurt, notes Go Ask Alice!
Eat them but within limits. Try to balance these with foods that are good for your teeth, like cheese and crunchy fruits and veggies like apples and carrots. These help neutralize acid and scrub away plaque.
#3 Tackle Dry Mouth
Dry mouth might seem like a minor inconvenience, but it’s more than that. According to NIDCR, dry mouth increases the risk of tooth decay as well as fungal infections in the mouth.
When there isn’t enough saliva in the mouth, it becomes a breeding ground for bacteria. That often leads to tooth decay, bad breath, and even gum disease.
Dehydration and aging aside, certain medications can also lead to dry mouth. One example is Suboxone, a medication that includes buprenorphine/naloxone. This drug, commonly used to treat opioid addiction, has been associated with various side effects, such as dry mouth.
A study published in JAMA Network observed about 21.6 cases of dental problems for every 1000 person-years of sublingual buprenorphine/naloxone use. These dental problems can include severe tooth decay or erosion, tooth loss, gum disease, and tooth fractures, informs TorHoerman Law.
More people are becoming aware that Suboxone can cause tooth decay. Thus, they are seeking legal recourse and filing lawsuits against Suboxone’s manufacturer Indivior.
One of the primary focuses of the Suboxone lawsuit is the failure to warn. Investigations reveal that Indivior may have been aware of its risks, yet it failed to disclose.
Antihistamines, decongestants, and antidepressants are other medications that cause dry mouth.
To tackle this issue, stay hydrated. You can also suck on sugar-free candies or chew sugar-free gum. These will help stimulate saliva production.
#4 Stop Smoking
Smoking is terrible for your oral health. If you smoke, you are at risk of developing oral health problems, such as tooth loss, gum disease, and even oral cancer.
Smoking also stains your teeth, giving them a yellowish tint that’s tough to get rid of, even with whitening products.
People who smoke lose more teeth than those who don’t, says Te Whatu Ora (Health New Zealand). So, quit smoking.
Quitting isn’t easy, but the benefits to your overall health—and your smile—are aplenty. There are many resources—from nicotine replacement therapies to support groups—available to help you quit it. Explore them.
In the long run, maintaining your oral health is all about consistency and paying attention to the little details. These simple ways can help you keep your teeth and gums healthy for the long haul.
And don’t forget to visit the dentist regularly. They will help catch issues early before they become severe and painful. Whether it’s a tiny cavity or the beginning of gum disease, they will help spot them early. That would save you a ton of trouble and money down the line.