Maintaining good oral health is important at any age, but is especially important during the retirement years. As we age, our teeth often become weaker because tooth enamel has broken down. With age, we are also more vulnerable to general health conditions, which can affect oral health. Our dentists offer high-quality healthcare for patients, including those preparing for retirement. There are steps patients can take to prevent oral health conditions and preserve teeth and gums. Following are some tips for keeping teeth and gums healthy.
Receive Regular Cleanings and Checkups
Routine oral healthcare is vital to maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Not only is receiving cleanings a preventive measure against gum disease and tooth decay, our dentists look for many types of problems during checkups including oral infections and cancers. A quick checkup could reveal problems in their earliest stages, which helps reduce healthcare costs and treatment times. For instance, if a checkup reveals that tooth enamel is looking weak, a simple fluoride treatment to replenish tooth enamel may be administered.
Practice Meticulous Oral Hygiene
Oral hygiene is an important component of preventing oral health problems and managing the progression of common conditions like periodontal disease. Patients should floss daily and brush twice a day. Water irrigators may be useful for those with bridges and partial dentures. Flossing and brushing helps control plaque and tartar accumulation. Oral hygiene is also essential for stimulating the gums.
Eat a Balanced Diet and Drink Plenty of Water
Nutritious eating is important for overall health and what you eat can affect your oral well-being, too. We recommend avoiding foods high in sugar and sodium. Sugar feeds bacteria and sodium dries the mouth, which affects saliva’s ability to balance the mouth’s pH. Eating lean proteins and leafy greens is a great way to receive vital minerals and nutrients. Water intake is important, too. In addition to the importance of drinking 64 ounces of water each day, it is beneficial to oral health to consume water all day long rather than in bursts of large quantities.
To schedule an appointment for a checkup or cleaning with our dental team, find a location near you.