One of the most vulnerable groups for many different dental health issues is the senior citizen population. From simple ailments like toothaches to the more serious ones like gingivitis and tooth loss, the senior population is faced with a threatening yet very common problem of maintaining their dental health. Factors such as the natural and inevitable ‘wear and tear’ of aging, lack of proper dental insurance and the decreased ability to properly maintain a healthy routine or diet can have a significant impact on the dental health of elderly people. The old saying “an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure” rings especially true on this one. In other words, the best way to address these potential dental health problems is to tackle them at the root.
Below are some of the best tips we have gathered to help you understand the different ways of maintaining a healthy dental routine even in your golden years.
Tip #1: Regularly Have Your Dental Check-up With A Reliable Dentist
It has always been advised by health professionals that people, especially children and senior citizens, should go to the dentist at least once every six months. This is beneficial because it addresses the problem of dental issues at the root. It prevents potential or current tooth decay from further ruining the teeth and gives way to a prompt diagnosis of potentially major dental problems which can be better handled in their early stages.
See to it that you choose a dentist who not only has a long experience in dentistry but also strives to always be up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in the field of dental technology, like the reliable Linhart Cosmetic Dentistry.
Tip #2: Do Not Neglect a Toothache
More often than not, people tend to dismiss toothaches as something normal and ignore them. However, this cannot be further from the truth.
Pain is our body's way of telling us that something is wrong. It is never a good idea to not pay attention to what our bodies are telling us.
Moreover, a toothache can sometimes be a symptom of something much more serious than just a simple pain in the tooth. Sometimes, it can point to certain types of cancer or to diabetes.
Also, people with a long history of heart trouble, especially senior citizens, should take toothaches seriously. Did you know that toothache is one of the symptoms of a heart attack? Seek immediate medical attention if you experience toothache accompanied by lightheadedness and profuse sweating, as this can be an indication of a heart attack.
Tip #3: Practice Good Oral Hygiene
Last but definitely not the least is maintaining and practicing good oral hygiene. Brushing your teeth after every meal, or at least twice a day, is one of the most cliche yet effective routines for the maintenance of good oral health.
Additionally, regular flossing is also recommended in order to remove small particles of food which unnoticeably gets stuck in between the teeth. Using mouthwash is also advisable to help with cleaning the whole mouth thoroughly.
Comments