July 10, 2018

Getting Older? Ask a Dentist How to Maintain a Healthy Mouth

Filed under: Uncategorized — charleswalker @ 12:36 am

Smiling seniors

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), dry mouth is a side effect of over 400 commonly used medications. This may seem like a minor issue, but did you know that dry mouth increases the risk for oral disease since saliva helps kill harmful bacteria and rebuild tooth enamel? As we grow older, it becomes even more important to pay special attention to our health – and oral health is no exception. After all, we only get one set of permanent teeth in our lives, so we should do everything we can to make them last! That is why your dentist is here with some simple tips to help maintain a healthy mouth well into your golden years.

Common Dental Issues for Seniors

Oral health is closely linked to overall health, so it is crucial to maintain good oral hygiene no matter your age. However, certain oral conditions are more likely to develop as you grow older and may require special attention. In addition to dry mouth, some other common oral conditions for seniors include:

  • Loss of enamel
  • Gum disease
  • Oral Cancer
  • Root Decay

All these conditions can have a negative effect on your overall health and well-being. Continuing to practice good oral care is critical to keeping your mouth, teeth and gums healthy as you age.

Simple Tips to Care for an Aging Mouth

Despite the new oral health issues aging presents, there are a few simple steps you can follow to keep your mouth healthy and reduce the likelihood that major problems will develop as you grow older:

  • Stay hydrated – To help prevent dry mouth, consider carrying a water bottle with you throughout the day, chew sugar-free gum, and avoid alcohol, which can dehydrate your body. In addition, ask your doctor if you can switch to a medication that does not produce dry mouth.
  • Switch to a fluoride toothpaste – Fluoride strengthens teeth and helps prevent cavities from forming. Considering switching to fluoride toothpaste or using a mouthwash with fluoride.
  • Avoid tobacco – Whether in cigarette or chewing tobacco form, tobacco use can increase the risk of getting mouth and throat cancer.
  • Regular checkups – Your dentist will check for signs of oral cancer during your visits, so it is important to maintain regular, biannual checkups. Remember, early detection saves lives.

These easy, common sense practices can help keep your teeth in prime shape as you age. For even more oral care tips, contact your dentist today!

About the Author


For 30 years, Dr. Charles Walker has helped patients of all ages in the Salt Lake City community maintain their beautiful, unique smiles. Whether a young child on their first trip to the dentist, or a senior citizen visiting for their regular checkup, Dr. Walker and his team treat each patient with compassion and respect. If you have any questions about the information you just read, Dr. Walker can be contacted online or by telephone at +1 801-467-6886.

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