If you’re a senior, it’s vital to take care of your teeth and oral health. Regular maintenance will allow the quality of life to continue and mitigate other health complications related to oral diseases like tooth decay and gum disease. At Regent Avenue Dental Centre – we take care of dental work for your entire family, from 6 months to 99 years of age and older, much like how we take care of our own family. We treat dental care for seniors with the utmost importance and respect. Learn more about our dental care for seniors now!
Seniors are at a higher risk of dental issues
As we age, the oral environment can change. There is a tendency for seniors to under-produce saliva, which causes dry mouth. Dry mouth, in turn, can lead to gum disease and tooth decay, as the acid and bacteria in our mouths cannot be “washed away” as effectively.
Our tips for preventing oral health issues through dental care for seniors
Nearly 1 in 5 people aged 65+ have lost teeth, due to gum disease and tooth decay. How can you prevent this as you age? Here are some tips.
- See a dentist every 6 months for a checkup and teeth cleaning
- Have old fillings and crowns replaced with new dental work
- Brush at least 2-3x a day for 2 minutes, and floss once per day – seven days a week
- Get periodontal treatment and deep cleanings every 3 months, if you have gum disease
- Stay hydrated to avoid dry mouth
- Avoid excessive sugar and starch in your diet
- Use a recommended toothpaste from your dentist, should your dentist suggest one
Choosing the right toothpaste and mouth rinse
Any toothpaste that is verified by the Canadian Dental Association and contains fluoride is a good choice for your daily brushing. Mouth rinses especially for dry mouth can also be a helpful way to eliminate food debris and bacteria in the mouth. These rinses are useful for in-between brushings, but should not replace regular tooth brushing.
Denture care for seniors
If you have dentures, it’s important that you care for them properly.
- Clean your dentures (and gums) before bed. Brush your dentures daily
- Rinse away food debris after eating
- Soak your dentures overnight in a dentist-recommended solution
- See your dentist regularly for checkups and to ensure the dentures are still fitting your mouth properly
Private dental insurance for seniors
General oral health care is not included in the Canada Health Act (CHA). Obtaining private dental insurance is a good way to keep your dental costs down if you need major work like crowns, dentures, or dental implants. Learn more about your options for private dental insurance at this link.
Need dental care for seniors? Come to Regent Avenue Dental Centre today!
At Regent Avenue Dental Centre, we realize the importance of dental care for seniors. If you’re a senior citizen or if you’re in the care of a senior, we can help them with care for their teeth and oral health. If you have any questions or dental concerns, please contact us or call us at 204.817.8915 and schedule an appointment today.
