Health

4 Tips for a Healthy Mouth as You Age

As you get older, dental health may sometimes take a backseat to other health concerns. But keeping your teeth strong and healthy as you age doesn’t require a lot of time or effort — and the payoff is a confident, radiant smile.

“Older adults are keeping their teeth longer due to regular dental care,” says UAB dentist Sonya Mitchell, DMD. “Still, most seniors face a few unique dental health issues that need to be addressed during regular dental visits.”

Read on to learn 4 key dental health tips for seniors – and keep your smile healthy and beaming for years to come.

See your dentist twice a year. Preventive dental care is still very important for older adults. “Even if you wear dentures, it’s important to see your dentist at least once a year to check gum health and have an oral cancer screening — especially if you’re a smoker,” stresses Dr. Mitchell.

Get an electric toothbrush. “Arthritis is a common chronic condition that can make brushing difficult for many older adults,” Dr. Mitchell explains. “Electric toothbrushes can make brushing much easier.”

Talk to your dentist about chronic dry mouth. Taking several different medications can sometimes cause dental problems for older adults. “Some of these medications can decrease saliva production and cause dry mouth — which increases the chances of tooth decay,” Dr. Mitchell explains. “For dry mouth problems, you should sip water frequently. Also, we recommend an over-the-counter dry mouth gel that can also be helpful.”

Get help from a caregiver if needed. If you’re unable to care for your mouth due to an illness or disability, be sure to get help. “It’s important that a caregiver or family member take over this role to ensure continued dental health,” adds Dr. Mitchell.