A Guide to Oral Hygiene for Elderly People
From the very youngest age, we are taught to take care of our teeth. While we are fortunate enough to have a temporary set of molars when we are young, they eventually give way to the one and only set of teeth you will ever have. This demands regular oral examinations and of course, best practices, as our teeth and gums have to endure a lifetime of punishment and as we age, the need for dental care does not diminish, in fact, oral hygiene becomes even more important as our teeth and gums begin to degenerate. If you are at all concerned about your teeth and you are in your middle years, here are some important factors that make for taking good care of your teeth and gums.
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Losing Colour
– Generally speaking, a person’s teeth gradually darken as they age. This is compounded by teeth staining from the many different things that we consume and by visiting your dentist on a regular basis, your teeth can be professionally cleaned and with regular brushing and flossing, your teeth will lose very little of their whiteness. If, for example, you have just relocated and are looking for a BUPA dentist in Brisbane, an online search will give you a list of clinics within driving distance.
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Enamel Decay
– The acids in the food and drink we consume are constantly attacking the tooth enamel and over time, this can cause the surface to become thin and dull. The many benefits of BUPA cover really pay dividends as you get older and what might have been expensive dental treatment is very affordable with the right medical cover.
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Gum Disease
– It isn’t only your teeth that wear, as gums typically recede as we age and this in turn causes the teeth to lose their stability and in some cases, fall out. Gum disease can strike anyone at any age, yet older people are more susceptible, which is why regular visits to your dentist are advised. Gum disease can be better treated if caught early and with regular examinations, any gum issues can be promptly addressed.
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Daily Mouthwash
– Of course, you should brush your teeth after every meal, but even a good brushing session can leave minute traces of bacteria and a good antiseptic mouthwash after brushing will remove any bacterial traces, keeping the teeth clean. Swishing the liquid around and using your cheek muscles to create high pressure bursts is an effective way to reach those hard to brush areas. This is something you should try to do several times a day and it will ensure that your teeth and gums are always clean and can better deal with the daily stresses.
Flossing is also important and if you don’t floss, then today is the best time to change that. Flossing correctly ensures that the lines between teeth are thoroughly cleaned something brushing cannot do. Regular visits to your local dentist will ensure that your teeth and gums remain healthy and that Hollywood smile does not diminish over time.
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