4 Oral Health Tips for Seniors

Posted on 4/20/2016 by Dr. Jay

An elderly woman receiving a dental exam.

Good oral health is important at all stages in your life, including your golden years.

As you age, it is important that you continue to make good oral health a priority, and these tips can be just what you need to keep a healthy and beautiful smile.

Consider How Your Medications Will Affect Your Mouth

As you get older, the chances that you will be taking medications regularly will increase. Many medications cause dry mouth as a side effect, so ask your doctor if any of them will lead to this problem. Dry mouth can increase your risk of developing decay, so talk to your dentist if dry mouth is a concern for you.

Reduce Your Sugar Consumption

If your teeth are susceptible to tooth decay and other dental problems, you'll want to reduce your sugar consumption. Check your food labels to know how much sugar you are consuming. If you do decide to indulge in a sweet treat, eat them with your meal to reduce the risk of decay, and then brush your teeth afterwards.

Choose a Soft Toothbrush

When brushing your teeth, make sure you are using a brush with soft bristles that are gentle on your gums. If you have a difficult time finding an adult sized brush that is soft enough to be gentle on your teeth and gums, try a child sized option. These brushes can even make it easier to reach the back of our mouth, helping to keep your teeth clean.

Make Water Your Drink of Choice

Water is an important step in maintaining good health, and it is especially important for your teeth. Water will flush away plaque, bacteria, and food particles that could be hanging around on your teeth after you eat. You can add some pizazz to your water by adding fruit like lemon or berries.

Please contact us if you have any questions about senior dental care.

About Dr. Barakat
As a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology, Dr. Barakat is recognized as one of the top implant dentists in the United States. He is 1 of 7 Board Certified Implantologists in the state of Virginia and 1 of 4 Virginian dentists who specializes in The Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique (PST), a scalpel-free, suture-free procedure for correcting gum recession.
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TYSON SMILES
TYSONS DENTAL OFFICE
8230 Leesburg Pike
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Vienna, VA 22182

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