Oral health is like a window into a person’s overall well-being. Poor oral hygiene can lead to a variety of dental and medical complications.
Maintaining good oral health is just as important as a person ages as it is for younger generations. There are myriad of oral health conditions, such as gum disease, dry mouth and sensitive teeth that the elderly commonly experience. Not to mention that poor oral hygiene can contribute to more serious health problems outside of the mouth, including cardiovascular disease, dementia and diabetic complications.
Beyond the general dental care habits that include brushing twice a day and flossing daily, there are additional steps you can take to help maintain a healthy mouth.
Let’s brush up on these tips together!
Add fluoride to your routine
Adding fluoride into your daily routine is as easy as drinking water or brushing your teeth! Fluoride helps strengthen enamel, which makes teeth less likely to decay. Plus, did you know that three out of four Americans drink water that contains fluoride thanks to the addition of fluoride to public water systems? If your water doesn’t contain fluoride, consider using fluorinated mouth wash or toothpaste to protect your teeth.
Avoid tobacco
Not only will tobacco stain your teeth, it can also open a person up to a variety of conditions such as an increased risk of gum disease and oral cancer. Beyond the general health risks that are associated with tobacco, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people who smoke are seven times more likely to develop periodontal disease in comparison to non-smokers. Point being – avoid tobacco products.
Visit the dentist
Scheduling regular visits to the dentist is a fantastic way to maintain oral health. Whether you have your natural teeth or dentures, professional care can help prevent and detect issues such as oral cancer, gum disease, and general wear and tear on teeth. It’s recommended that you visit the dentist every six months for x-rays and full oral hygiene treatment.
Did you know that the St. Barnabas Dental Center offers total family dentistry which includes routine cleanings and checkups, fillings and crowns, root canals, tooth extractions and x-rays?
If you’d like to learn more about keeping your oral health in check, make an appointment with St. Barnabas Dental today.
Sources:
http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/features/healthy-teeth-tips#1
