Guidelines For Oral Hygiene:

Oral health problems in older adults are very important since at this stage of life they have a great impact on our quality of life and a poor condition can present a greater risk of consequences that may worsen our health.

Maintaining proper care and performing periodic dental check-ups, many future diseases can be prevented, since during aging we can suffer alterations related to health, which affect our oral cavity. In general terms, we can say that in older people the appearance of cavities and deterioration of teeth is common, as well as increased sensitivity in the area. 

Brushing teeth at least before going to bed.

The pace of your daily activity may prevent you from brushing your teeth after each meal. We think that you can always take two minutes to brush your teeth but, if it really poses a problem, in addition to rinsing with water and sugar-free gum, at least don’t forget to brush thoroughly before going to sleep.

Use your toothbrush correctly. If you suffer from any pathology related to the gums (gingival recession, periodontitis, etc.), consult your dentist about the best way to brush. As a general rule, brush gently that also reaches the gums. The best brushing is the one that moves from the gum to the end of the tooth in movements in that one direction.

Use floss, dental floss, or interproximal brushes to clean hard-to-reach interdental areas to remove a greater amount of bacterial plaque, and don’t forget to rinse your mouth with suitable mouthwash.

If possible, use an electric toothbrush and change the head or brush every 2/3 months in any case. Remember that this period is indicative. Your brushing frequency or the intensity with which you brush can accelerate wear and tear on the bristles of your brush. In that case, change the brush or head when the bristles are bent and their tips are no longer perpendicular to the surface of your teeth and gums.

Go to the dentist once a year.

If you don’t want to do it for your health, do it for your pocket. Prevention is always the best way to avoid long, annoying, and expensive treatments. An annual visit to your trusted dentist can save you a lot of hassle and a lot of money.

Tobacco is a tooth killer

Quitting tobacco is a constant in New Year’s resolutions and it couldn’t be more recommended. Nicotine causes vasoconstriction of the arteries and this alteration in blood flow is the cause that the gum of a smoker receives a lower supply of blood, oxygen, and blood cells essential for the repair and regeneration of the tooth support. 

Stop biting your nails

Another bad habit that can affect the integrity of your teeth. In addition to the bacteria that we introduce into our mouth when biting nails or any other element, nibbling continuously erodes the enamel of the teeth causing microtrauma that can fracture them and cause an increase in tooth sensitivity in the long term (pain when chewing and eating hot or cold food). 

Smile

Although smiling may not help you take care of your oral health, maintaining a positive attitude towards life will help you achieve your goals and be happy.