As you age, numerous changes occur from head to toe. Along with caring for your whole body, you should also maintain good oral health. During the time between visits to your dentist, here are a few tips to keep your teeth, gums, and mouth clean and fresh.  

How Can Seniors Care for Their Oral Health?

1. Examine Your Toothbrush

Using the proper toothbrush and changing it regularly helps protect your oral health. Ideally, your brush should be changed every three or four months. Change it sooner if the bristles are bent or frayed or after recovering from a cold, virus, or oral infection. Bacteria on the brush can encourage cavities and gum infections, including gingivitis. If you have been using a firm bristle brush, consider changing to soft bristles to protect the tooth enamel and sensitive gums.

2. Brush and Floss Twice Daily

It's best to brush for at least two minutes, twice a day, but avoid applying too much pressure. Additionally, flossing teeth twice daily with standard dental floss gets rid of food trapped between teeth that brushes miss. If manipulating floss is difficult, a dental floss holder or disposable floss picks are options that make it easier to clean the spaces in between your teeth. A water pick helps remove food between the teeth if flossing is not an option.

3. Use Mouthwash With Care

Older adults often experience dry mouth, so it's best to limit mouthwash use. While alcohol-based rinses help prevent cavities and plaque, they can encourage dry mouth by changing your oral pH balance. Consider limiting use to once before bedtime and switching to non-alcohol rinses.

When it is time for your next visit to a dentist, head to the office of Mark Stephens, DMD. Dr. Stephens offers a wide range of dental care services to patients throughout Richmond, KY. He is dedicated to ensuring your teeth, gums, and mouth stay healthy. From routine dental exams and cleaning to full and partial dentures, you receive individualized care from a friendly, outgoing staff in a relaxed atmosphere. For more information, visit the website. Call (859) 626-0069 to schedule an appointment with a dentist.