8 Oral Health Habits You Need To Acquire As You Get Older

As you get older, it becomes even more important to take care of your teeth and oral health. A common misconception is that losing your teeth is inevitable. This is not accurate information. If properly cared for, your teeth can stand with you for the rest of your life.

Looking after your teeth and gums as you get older can prevent problems such as toothache, caries and tooth loss. A healthy mouth also makes it easier for you to eat well and enjoy food.

✓ Brush and floss your teeth every day.

Brushing and flossing helps to remove dental plaque, which is a sticky film of bacteria (germs). If plaque builds up on your teeth, it can cause tooth decay or gum disease.

Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Brush your teeth after breakfast and before going to bed.

Floss every day. If you have trouble flossing, ask your dentist to recommend a special brush or a toothpick.

✓ Watch for changes in your mouth

Your risk of developing oral cancer increases as you get older. If you see any changes in your mouth, it's important to have them checked out.

Contact a doctor or dentist if any of these symptoms last for more than 2 weeks:

-A place in your mouth, lip and throat that feels uncomfortable or painful

- Lump or mass in your mouth, lip or throat

- A white or red wound in his mouth.

- Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or moving on the chin or tongue

- Numbness in your tongue or mouth

- Swelling of the jaw

- Pain in one ear without hearing loss

Most importantly, if these mouth sores or symptoms last longer than 2 weeks and do not go away, you should see your dentist.

✓ Visit your dentist regularly for checkups and cleaning

There is no single rule on how often everyone should see their dentist – it varies from person to person. Next time you check and clean, ask your dentist how often you should visit him

✓ Talk to your doctor about dry mouth

Dry mouth means there is not enough saliva to keep your mouth wet. Dry mouth can make it difficult to eat, swallow or speak. It can also lead to tooth decay or infection.

Dry mouth can occur as a result of a side effect of some medications. It can also be if you have some health problems (such as diabetes) or if you are receiving chemotherapy or radiation (cancer treatment).

If you have dry mouth, talk to your doctor or dentist and ask what you can do.

✓ Take precautions for gingivitis

If you did not develop oral hygiene habits in your youth, this will probably be your fearful dream now. Older adults are at risk of gingivitis caused by ingrown plaque and bacteria below the gum line. Gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease, can include noticeable symptoms such as redness, swollen or bleeding gums.

✓ Take tobacco use out of your life

As with many cancers, the risk of developing oral cancer increases with age and tobacco use. The vast majority of people with mouth-related cancer are tobacco users; the likelihood of developing oral cancer increases every year with a person smoking or chewing tobacco. The most common area of oral cancer is the lip, followed by the tongue. Most lip cancer tumors multiply on the lower lip, and men suffer from these cancers more than women.

✓ Remember to drink water

A good tip for your oral and general health is to consume plenty of water throughout the day. This prevents your mouth from drying out and limits bacterial growth when you cannot brush your teeth. Try to reduce soda and coffee because they can stain your teeth and acid can damage your tooth enamel.

✓ Take care of your dentures, implants or crowns

If you don't have natural teeth, make sure you take good care of your added teeth. Implant crowns, bridges and dentures should be brushed and cleaned at least twice a day. Removable dentures should be nicely cared for and cleaned.