It is a fact of life that as people age, our bodies undergo various changes that are mostly negative. As the years go by, our bodies depreciate from its optimum health. That is why a lot of old men and women experience diseases that are attributed to aging such as high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis, etc. Thus it is important that we take good care of our bodies, internally. Eating the right foods and getting the right exercise will never grow old as good health companions. But did you know that giving proper attention to the external parts of our bodies is important as well? Like for example, your teeth!
You didn’t see that coming right? But the mouth, especially the teeth plays a vital role in overall nutrition. Where does the food come in and first process anyway before getting into our system, but in the mouth? Thus it is important that we take good care of your teeth, especially when you’re aging.
Dental problems are very common among the elderly. In fact people over the age of 65 have the most number of tooth decay. Also, very minimal get to retain their natural teeth and thus dentures are highly in demand among the elderly. Common dental problems include dry mouth, root decay, cavities, darkened teeth, gum disease, tooth loss, uneven jawbone and poor fitting dentures.
Nevertheless, decline in oral health among the elderly is not that surprising. Aside from common neglect, frailty during aging brought by arthritis for example is also a reason. That is why caring for the teeth among the elderly is something to be done not in isolation.
If you have a loved whose teeth need some “brushing”, a visit to the dentist firstly is a good idea. A dental check-up will give a clear diagnosis of the extent of the problem and oral health advices that will be very helpful in solving it. The dentist might also prescribe special brushes, toothpastes and antibacterial rinse for some elderly who suffer from periodontal disease. Dentures might also be suggested for a lot of tooth loss. Remember as well that a one-time visit will not do the trick. Regular dental check-up, some cleaning and fitting of dentures (if necessary) are important.
Secondly, encourage proper nutrition and watch him/her eat from time to time. Missing teeth or loose dentures might cause eating problems. They might aspirate the food or get frustrated because of eating difficulties. This is very important because our elderly loved ones really need their nutrition.
If you’re looking for dental tips to do for your own, then you might want to try brushing your teeth every after meal, using over the counter oral mouthwash and use a fluoride gel or varnish to protect your teeth from cavities. Avoid eating too much sweets and beverages that might cause dry mouth and weakening of your teeth. These are coffee, carbonated drinks, alcohol and acidic fruit juices. Drinking lots of water is also of great help. And lastly, visit your dentist or hygienist regularly for dental check-ups and oral examinations. It is always good to be advised by the experts.