Teeth are for life.
That's a valid point whatever age you are. But it's especially essential as you're nearing your senior years or if you're currently in your senior era of life.
Keeping tabs on your oral health is vital as you age. It's not merely about your smile quality - it's also necessary to understand the connection that tooth and gum health has to your overall health and wellbeing as a senior adult.
Why oral health is a priority for seniors
Systemic disease prevention
Systemic in the dental health context has to do with the link between your mouth, teeth, gums, and the other areas of your body.
Poor oral health can lead to a variety of systemic health conditions.
For example, a major concern would be gum disease bacteria traveling through your blood stream to other organs.
Adverse results could include:
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Respiratory infections
Consistent preventive dental care like daily brushing and flossing and dental check-ups and teeth cleanings can significantly reduce these systemic risks and more.
Diabetes prevention and management
Gum disease has a strong link to diabetes. The oral health condition creates additional challenges such as controlling your blood sugar levels when you have diabetes.
Routine physical health monitoring and check-ups along with routine dental examinations can help you manage both conditions as you age.
Diet and nutrition monitoring
Healthy teeth and gums enables you to chew your food and experience better digestion. Poor oral health and damaged or diseased teeth and gums is not only painful but also makes it more difficult to maintain a balanced, healthy diet.
Quality of life and social confidence
Your social interactions and general self-esteem can be affected by the quality of your oral health. An unhealthy mouth and unattractive teeth lowers your confidence to interact with others.
Keeping your teeth and gums healthy naturally impacts your relational motivation and thus your emotional and mental well-being as you age.
Oral health specifics for senior adults
Now that you're aware of why your oral health is a priority for aging well, the following will help you make it practical and maintain consistency.
Visit the dentist regularly
Two times per year for an examination and teeth cleaning is the goal. These visits allow for the early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of any dental issues that could threaten your health as a senior.
Adapt your daily oral hygiene (as necessary)
Aging can create challenges for daily dental care - including your brushing and flossing routine. For example, issues associated with arthritis can make these routines more difficult.
Electric toothbrushes and flossing devices are a useful alternative to standard toothbrushes and dental floss.
Care for your dentures and dental implants
These tooth replacement solutions require care in much the same way as your natural teeth do. Dentures that fit poorly can be uncomfortable and potentially lead to bone and gum tissue loss.
Routine dental check-ups enable your dentist to monitor your dentures or implants to ensure they're functioning properly.
Be aware of dry mouth
Medications or medical conditions can produce dry mouth issues. Proper hydration and prescribed mouth rinses can help your dry mouth condition.
Monitor your diet and lifestyle
Balance is an essential here. Enjoy yourself while ensuring that you're including healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
Awareness about the impact of tobacco and alcohol on your teeth, gums, and overall health is also vital as a senior adult.
Prioritizing your oral health as you near or are in the thick of your senior years gives you numerous benefits.
- Enhanced physical health
- Better nutrition
- Improved mental and emotional health
- Financial savings
The Dental.com platform provides you a convenient, accessible, and cost-effective solution for monitoring your dental health as a senior adult.
- Online consultations
- Free scans
- Convenient, time-saving access to low cost, virtual dental consultations with a licensed dentist
- Connection to in-person dental care with dentists in your zip code
An online dentist is an effective solution for consistent senior adult dental care
The Dental.com team of dental professionals are trained to identify, diagnose, and treat any dental condition. From toothaches to second opinions - you’re covered!
- Access a 24 hour dentist now from your personal, private, and secure account.
- Select a reason for your visit using a brief questionnaire.
- Receive virtual dental care from a licensed dentist when you provide your issue details, any photos, and/or dental/health records.
Discover more about Dental.com on our How it Works page. Or Register Now.