Taking care of your teeth is important at all ages, but it becomes even more important as you get older. The way our mouths work changes as we age, and it may be harder to keep our smiles healthy. 

This article will talk about some of the most common oral health problems that seniors face and give Washington seniors tips on how to keep their teeth clean. So go ahead and find the best family dentist in Puyallup, Washington, to ensure your needs are met. 

Get regular dental checkups 

Seniors should go to the doctor for checkups and cleanings every six months, just like everyone else. When you go to the dentist for these checkups, they can find problems early on when they are easier to treat. 

The dentist will look for signs of cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer in the mouth, teeth, and gums during a checkup. They will also clean your teeth to get rid of tartar and plaque.

Based on your mouth health, your dentist will tell you how often you need to go. A checkup and cleaning should be a goal for most adults every six months. 

However, you might need to see your dentist more often if you have dry mouth or diabetes, which can make oral health problems more likely. 

Maintain good oral hygiene

No matter what age, you need to brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride mouthwash for good oral health. Fluoride makes teeth stronger and keeps diseases away.

Remember to brush all of your teeth when you clean. This includes the front, back, and top. You should also brush your tongue to get rid of germs.

For good oral health, you should also floss every day. When you floss, you get rid of bacteria and food stuck between your teeth that you can not get to when you brush. There are other tools, like water flossers, that can help you clean your teeth if you have trouble flossing.

Along with brushing and flossing, using an antibacterial mouthwash can help get rid of germs in your mouth and make your breath smell better. Pick a mouthwash that is made for older people and does not have alcohol in it. 

Common oral health concerns that seniors face

Some changes that happen in our mouths as we get older can make us more likely to get poor oral health. Most people worry about the following things:

Dry mouth

A condition called dry mouth happens when your mouth does not make enough saliva. You need saliva to keep your mouth clean and wet, and it also breaks down food. 

It might be hard to talk, drink, and taste food if your mouth is dry. Also, it can make you more likely to get teeth and gum disease.

There are many things that can lead to dry mouth, such as taking some medicines, having health problems, and just getting older. You can deal with dry mouth by drinking a lot of water, sucking on sugar-free candy or gum, and using a humidifier at night. 

Dentures 

Dentures are replaceable tooth replacements that many older adults use to improve their ability to speak, eat, and smile. But it is important to take the right care so that it does not get damaged or loose. 

Some tips are to brush your dentures every day with a soft toothbrush and denture cleaner, to clean your dentures overnight with a cleaning solution, to avoid dropping your dentures, and to get regular checkups and changes at the dentist. 

Side effects from medications

A lot of medicines can have side effects that are bad for your teeth. Some medicines, for instance, can make your mouth dry, which can raise your chance of teeth and gum disease. Some medicines can make your teeth look yellow.

Talk to your doctor or dentist about any possible mouth health side effects if you are taking any medicines.

Seniors can keep their looks and good oral health for years to come by going to the dentist regularly, practicing good mouth care, and being aware of the problems that come with getting older.