5 Reasons Senior Dental Care Is Important

Oral hygiene should be imperative for us all because it’s closely connected to our overall health. Did you know that cavities and untreated teeth spread bacteria that can travel through your bloodstream and completely wreak havoc on your heart? That is especially significant for the elderly because their health is in much greater danger than those of younger people. Seniors are also at a greater risk of developing oral health problems. Aside from protecting your overall health, there are several other reasons why seniors should take their dental care seriously.

Prevent heart problems

Periodontal disease i.e., gingivitis or gum disease have been directly linked to heart disease. If you’re suffering from periodontal disease, your risk of heart attack, stroke and other conditions skyrockets. Therefore, maintaining proper oral hygiene and care is of the essence. Brushing teeth regularly after every meal, rinsing your mouth with a mouthwash, and flossing are the holy trinity of dental care. Furthermore, avoiding sticky sugary food and those high in acidity will also help prevent cavities and other dental problems.

Poor oral hygiene can cause diabetes

Speaking of sweets and sugary treats, not only are those detrimental for the teeth but can, in return, cause diabetes. If you’ve noticed that your teeth started to decay, it’s vital that you pay a visit to your dentist. If you end up with periodontitis, you’ll be at a much greater risk of getting diabetes. On the flip side, if you already have heightened blood sugar, that can lead to gum infections. As you can see, our body is interconnected, and one part of it majorly depends on another. Staying away from highly sugared drinks and food alongside going to check-ups with the dentist at least once a month will help protect your teeth and overall health.

Avoid root decay

Another reason senior dental care is crucial is that it can prevent root decay. The gums recede with age, and if you’ve spent years having acid foods, the enamel will wear off eventually. Once gums recede, tooth roots will become more vulnerable and more susceptible to decay due to a lack of a protective enamel layer. If you’ve already noticed that your roots are decaying and that you’re losing teeth, act quickly and get quality dental implants to bring back your pretty white smile. Dental implants look natural and help you mask the fact that you don’t have natural teeth anymore.

Prevent gum disease

Poor oral hygiene can most often lead to gum disease. The plaque build-up that’s not removed from the teeth is a bacterial film that easily finds home on and between teeth, thus causing bacteria to spread in the mouth. That further leads to gum disease, which can later have negative consequences for your overall health. That’s why you should remove plaque regularly by going to the dentist and allowing them to keep your teeth white and healthy.

Keep a white smile

Maintaining a white smile doesn’t come easy. But with proper dental care, it can be manageable. Aside from brushing, flossing and using mouthwash, it’s also essential that you stay away from foods and drinks that stain teeth. Coffee, tea and red wine are just some of the beverages that can make your teeth sallow and cause bad breath too. Drink up plenty of water instead, to prevent dry mouth and to keep your teeth pearly white. If you’re a smoker, consider quitting both for your oral and overall health’s sake. A well-balanced diet will also benefit your oral health and contribute to your immune system and general well-being.

Final thoughts

Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential if you want to protect your teeth and overall health. For seniors, this is even more important as their health is already in bigger jeopardy and more susceptible to various diseases. Therefore, make sure you brush and floss at least twice a day, but ideally after every meal. Visit your dentist regularly and only indulge in healthy foods and beverages that won’t stain your teeth.