FLAMBOROUGH SENIORS: Oral care key for seniors

Our mouths go through a lot over the years; they allow us decades of eating, drinking, talking and swallowing. As we age, it becomes even more important to practise good oral care, so bacteria and disease don’t start creeping in. Here are five tips to keep your teeth and gums healthy, functioning and pain-free.

• Brushing. Brushing your teeth and tongue at least twice a day is the best way to stop plaque and bacteria from building in your mouth. Clean the top and sides of every tooth by brushing in gentle circles; scrubbing too hard can cause your gums to recede. If sore joints make it difficult to grip the thin handle of your toothbrush, try adding a sponge around the base. Don’t forget to replace your toothbrush every three months.

Flossing. If you skip flossing, then you miss cleaning about one third of each tooth. In order to remove the plaque and bacteria your toothbrush doesn’t reach, make sure to floss at least once a day. Floss can be hard to grip, so you many want to try dental tape, which is wider than typical floss.

Dentures. Dentures are a great way to replace loose or missing teeth, but they are not immune to plaque or bacteria. Make sure to remove and clean your dentures daily with soap and a denture brush, and let them soak overnight in warm water or a hygienist-recommended cleaning solution. When you remove dentures at night, brush your teeth and gums using a very soft toothbrush.

Caregivers. If you care for a senior who has difficulty brushing or flossing on their own, let them sit in front of a sink or basin; stand behind them and gently brush or floss their teeth, checking to make sure they are comfortable. If they have trouble spitting, allow them to rinse their mouth with warm water or a clean, warm cloth. Check their teeth and gums regularly for discoloration or sores that do not heal on their own and examine dentures for cracks.

Checkups. Make sure you visit your dentist twice a year for a cleaning and an exam. Tell your dentist if you have noticed any loose or sensitive teeth, if you have difficulty chewing or swallowing or if you have any pain, bumps, or bleeding. It’s also important to mention any changes to your overall health and any medications you have taken in the past few months.

Source: http://www.flamboroughreview.com/opinion-story/6081010-flamborough-seniors-oral-care-key-for-seniors/

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