Getting old with time is no fun, and things get weird when you cross your 50s or 60s. As dental health also changes as we age, a dentist in Corona recently shared how to take care of aging teeth and gums. This advice is perfect for all those who want to have a healthy and happy smile throughout their lives and don’t want to depend on fake teeth.
Step 1: Never Skip the Dentist’s Visits
No matter how tired you think you are or how far a dentist’s office is, you should make the time to see your dentist in Corona at least on a monthly or quarterly basis. Get a cleaning or checkup scheduled at least after every six months to ensure that your teeth remain strong and your gums healthy. You should seek a dentist’s advice more often if you already use dentures or you have started losing teeth. The dentist will not only advise you on how to maintain a healthy smile but will also check existing dentures and examine the mouth to detect problems like bumps, or lumps that might lead to oral cancer.
Step 2: Brush Right
Your age, gender, size, color, weight, and ethnicity doesn’t matter when it comes to brushing. So, you must learn how to brush properly by talking to a dentist. Every good dentist in Corona will advise you to buy a soft-bristled toothbrush that fits comfortably in your hand. If you are quite old and have problems like arthritis, you should consider an electric toothbrush that is easy to use. Use a 45-degree angle and don’t scrub too hard while brushing or you might harm the enamel. To know the exact amount of pressure needed, talk to a reputed dentist in Corona.
Step 3: Flossing
If you want a healthy and happy smile as you age, you should learn to do flossing on a daily basis. No shortcut can help you. Flossing can help you to reach about one-third of your tooth surface, and it covers the areas you may otherwise miss. A reputed dentist in Corona suggests that you use floss that is as long as your arm and wrap it around your fingers to do it right. To do flossing right, you should scrape the side of every tooth at least a few times to ensure that you eliminate all the plaque. In case your hands shake too much due to old age or arthritis, you should go for a flossing pick or a dental tape.
Step 4: Choose the Right Treatment Options
In case you already have missing teeth, or your teeth have started to fall off suddenly then you should consider replacing them in the right manner. Two amazing options suggested by a dentist in Corona are implants and dentures. The treatment that works for you will depend on your specific needs. Implants are suggested for those people who have only a few teeth missing and have a strong jawbone. They are added to a person’s mouth by attaching a metal post into a person’s jawbone, screwing an implant in place and then shading it to match a person’s original teeth. It is an expensive and extensive procedure with very satisfactory results.
The second, cheaper and reliable option for seniors is to opt for dentures if they have one or more teeth missing. Dental technology has advanced so much in the last few years that dentures now are custom made to fit a person’s mouth. These dentures can be removable or partial as well. Partial dentures are suggested for most seniors, and full dentures are only advised by a dentist in Corona when partial dentures become ineffective or impractical. No matter which of these options you pick, make sure that you brush and floss regularly and carefully or these dental additions will become useless in a few years. Also, talk to your dentist if you feel any discomfort or pain.
Step 5: Go for a Smile-Friendly Lifestyle
The dentist in Corona has also shared some simple lifestyle changes seniors can make to have a healthy and happy smile. You should avoid alcohol, smoking, and tobacco as much as possible. Drink a lot of plain water to flush out bacteria and have a healthy mouth. Munch on fresh fruits and vegetables and have acidic foods in moderation. You should also avoid sugar and sugar-based drinks like soda if you want a long-lasting smile.
Are you impressed by the thoughts shared by a dentist in Corona on how to take care of aging teeth and gums? Do you have any suggestions or personal stories you want to share? If so, feel free to comment below.
Also, look out for our next blog on oral changes you should expect with aging that will be published soon. Good Luck!
