Seniors have specific needs when it comes to dental care. Even the best cared for teeth can show signs of aging and require special attention. General dentistry treatments can help keep our smiles healthy at any age. To find out which treatments are right for you, we invite you to schedule a consultation with Clarksville dentist Richard C. Ribeiro. You can start getting your oral health back on track now by following these dental care tips for seniors.
Of course, the better we take care of our teeth early in life, the better shape our teeth will be in as we age. Unfortunately, we can't take a time machine and tell our younger selves what we should have done, but we can take steps to help ourselves now. Help ensure your teeth and gums are healthy during your senior years with these dental care tips.
Practice good brushing habits: Brushing your teeth is one of the best ways to reduce the risk of tooth decay. Brush at least twice a day for a full two minutes each time you brush, and don't forget to replace your toothbrush every three months.
Always floss: Flossing is just as important, if not more so, than brushing, but many people neglect this important habit. Flossing greatly reduces the risk of gum disease and prevents tooth decay between the teeth. Floss at least once a day, every day. When flossing, be sure to draw the floss up and down along each side of each tooth and as far along the gum line as possible.
Use an antiseptic mouthwash: Rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash after brushing and flossing to further reduce the risk of gum disease.
Practice good oral hygiene even if you wear dentures: Wearing dentures is not an excuse to stop practicing proper oral hygiene. Dentures require special care and should be cleaned daily with denture cleaner, not toothpaste. Toothpaste should be used for cleaning the soft tissues and tongue.
See your dentist for check-ups: See your dentist at least once every six months for a regular check-up so we can catch damage at its earliest stages. If you suspect you have a dental problem, schedule an appointment immediately instead of putting it off.
Porcelain veneers: Porcelain veneers are thin, tooth-shaped restorations used to hide flaws and imperfections on the front facing teeth. Patients who suffer from small chips, fractures, or even worn teeth can benefit from porcelain veneers.
Teeth whitening: Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dentistry treatment that can reduce years of dental staining in a single treatment to reveal a bright, white, rejuvenated smile.
Dental implants: Tooth loss is common problem amongst senior patients. Dental implants are a permanent replacement for missing tooth roots. These small titanium posts are surgically placed into the jaw bone, and are then paired with dental restorations to replace one or multiple teeth.
Dental crowns: Those with broken teeth or large dental fillings often make suitable candidates for dental crowns. Dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps that completely fit over damaged teeth. Dental crowns can even be paired with dental implants to individually replace missing teeth.
Dental bridges: Traditional dental bridges offer non-surgical replacement of missing teeth, but they can also be paired with dental implants to replace multiple teeth.
Implant-supported dentures: Implant-supported dentures are another popular treatment for senior patients. Implant-supported dentures use three to five dental implants to anchor a set of dentures within the mouth. Implant-supported denture wearers are able to enjoy a secure fit without the need for messy, unreliable denture adhesives.
It's never too late to take care of your smile. We welcome you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Ribeiro today.