Proper oral hygiene habits are equally crucial for seniors and kids. While elderly people may experience a variety of dental issues, with good dental care, they can maintain the health of their teeth and gums.
Dental problems may occur more commonly in later years due to age, but there are strategies to prevent their worsening. To maintain oral health as you age, you must visit your emergency dentist regularly to promptly identify and address any dental issues. Read on to learn emergency dental care tips to maintain your oral health as a senior.
Follow a Proper Oral Hygiene Routine and Visit Your Emergency Dentist
Practicing daily dental hygiene is essential. Regular brushing and flossing help maintain oral health, particularly your gums and teeth. If food particles are left in your mouth, bacteria may accumulate, causing tooth decay or gum disease.
Infections in the mouth can harm your teeth and gums. If you fail to maintain a good oral hygiene routine, you must visit your emergency dentist.
Wear a Protective Mouthguard
You should wear a protective mouthguard while participating in sports, and your children should wear one. Dentists treat many dental injuries from contact and some non-contact sports each year.
If there’s a risk you could sustain a hit while playing sports, wearing a mouthguard is worthwhile. Dental injuries can result in chips and cracks; the worst-case scenario is tooth loss. Throughout a lifetime, restorative dental treatment can cost thousands of dollars.
Furthermore, a customized sports mouthguard provides the ultimate protection for your teeth and lowers the chance of dental injuries. It’s comfortable to wear and does not impede breathing.
Avoid Tobacco Products
One of the easiest ways to avoid tooth decay and other oral health problems as a senior citizen is to avoid using tobacco products. Studies show that smokers are twice as likely to suffer from cavities and five times more likely to experience tooth decay. Tobacco use not only damages your teeth, but it can also lead to cancer and heart disease, among other health problems.
So, if you wish to preserve your dental health and maintain a radiant smile as you age, you should avoid using tobacco products.
Address Dental Anxiety
Dental anxiety is a common problem that raises the risk of emergencies and can lead to delaying or avoiding necessary dental care. To prevent dental issues, you must address these anxieties by openly discussing your concerns with your dentist. During appointments, your dentist can use techniques like sedation, distraction, or breaks.
Building trust gradually and scheduling regular, non-invasive visits can also help decrease anxiety over time. This lowers the chances of developing severe tooth problems in seniors that can require emergency treatment.
Consider Sealants
Sealants are commonly used as preventative measures for children. They are also effective for adults. They are made of transparent plastic covering that is applied to the chewing surface of teeth to prevent food debris from becoming trapped inside. This is particularly beneficial for patients whose molars have deep grooves and seniors who struggle with brushing and flossing.
Visit your Dentist Regularly for Senior Dental Implant Checkups
First and foremost, make sure you regularly visit your dentist. Just like your natural teeth, senior dental implants benefit from regular cleanings. Your dentist can easily identify any early signs of dental implant failure, potentially making a decisive intervention,
Moreover, your hygienist can carefully remove plaque that has built up around your gums. Proper care of dental implants significantly lowers your risk of developing peri-implantitis.
