It's a common myth that senior citizens are destined to lose their teeth, reports the Academy of General Dentistry. There is no reason seniors cannot keep their teeth for a lifetime since tooth loss is simply the result of an oral disease--not the aging process.
The elderly, who make up the fastest growing segment of the U.S. population, are healthier and have kept more of their natural teeth than prior generations. But there's still room for improvement.
More than half of all seniors do not visit a dentist even once a year -- one of the key preventive strategies in ensuring that teeth last a lifetime. Family members should encourage seniors who are disabled or have trouble getting around to seek dental care.
Regular dental visits are especially important for older people since many suffer from dry mouth, which slows down the flow of saliva. Saliva plays a major role in preventing tooth decay by rinsing away food particles and neutralizing harmful acids.
Dry mouth often comes with old age, but can also be caused by medications like antihistamines, decongestants, antidepressants and diuretics. Dry mouth can often be treated by the dentist.
Along with regular dental visits, seniors should floss daily and brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.
They should also ask their dentist about fluoride rinses and gels, since studies show that seniors who brush regularly with fluoride toothpaste or use a fluoride rinse or gel regularly have fewer cavities.
Seniors are most likely to get cavities where old fillings have chipped or where root surfaces are left unprotected by receding gums.
Other suggestions for keeping teeth for a lifetime: snack in moderation and avoid snacks with sugars and cooked starches, and alert the dentist to any change in medication.
Following these preventative measures should help prevent seniors from joining the 42 percent of the population over 65 who wear dentures. But even seniors with no teeth still need to visit the dentist regularly since many aspects of oral health, such as adjusting ill-fitting dentures and oral cancer screenings can be handled at routine dental visits.
Despite advice, recommendations and warnings from dentists about the importance of regular flossing, many people admit they still don't do it, and countless more do it only in the days and weeks before or after their semi-annual cleanings and checkups.The reasons patients cite for not flossing are many, but lack of time is the most common.
Many patients feel guilty about not flossing daily, and some abandon the practice all together. Don't give up-flossing even two or three times a week has its benefits, and it's far better than not flossing at all.
You don't have to make flossing a 20-minute routine in front of the mirror, but floss correctly by sliding the floss against the side surfaces of the teeth--not just sliding it in between the teeth. Once you are familiar with flossing, floss when and where you have time.
If you have a hard time fitting into your routine, try flossing earlier in the evening, or even during a break at work. Although the best time to floss is before bed, getting it done is more important than what time it's done.
Some patients report they stopped flossing because they noticed that their gums bleed when they floss. That means there are germs and inflammation in there.
Bleeding gums is an early indicator of gingivitis, or swollen gums. If this condition it left untreated, it can develop into periodontal or gum disease.
Flossing and brushing several times a day can bring this condition under control.
By continuing proper brushing techniques and flossing, you can reverse gingivitis within two to three weeks.
Patients should continue flossing, and the bleeding will usually stop within a week or two.
Those who don't floss due to arthritis or lack of dexterity can try specially designed plastic holders for dental floss.
Author Resource:-
Tom Selwick has authored hundreds of articles relating to oral health and dentistry. He was formerly a dental assistant for a dentist Mission Viejo practice. He has been a guest dental lecturer for over 15 years.
Contact Info:
Tom Selwick
TomSelwick09@gmail.com
http://www.OCDentist4u.com
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