Las Vegas cosmetic dentist, Dr. Jeffery Hadley and his team understand the process of aging and its effects on your teeth. Our patients run the gamut from teenagers to retirees, and our practice is devoted and skilled with all ages. We know brushing and flossing, as you age is important for you and your grandchildren.
But you may not know that, even though you haven’t had a cavity in years, you actually become more susceptible to cavities in your older years. With this risk in mind, how should a Baby Boomer change their dental hygiene habits to take care of aging teeth?
Oral Hygiene Habits After 60
The great oral hygiene habits established when you were six, will hold you in good stead when you’re 60 – and beyond. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste remains crucial to your dental health. Flossing once a day is just as important. You can use waxed dental floss or a pre-threaded floss pick to get between teeth.
Make sure you’re using a soft bristled brush with a small head to get the very back teeth. You may decide an electric toothbrush is gentler on arthritic fingers. In any case, the American Dental Association reminds us to look for the ADA Seal of Acceptance on the dental products you buy.
If you have dentures, clean them daily to avoid bacteria. Don’t use regular toothpaste on these cosmetic devices; instead use an over the counter cleaner made specifically for dentures. Make sure you remove them while you sleep, to allow your mouth a chance to rest, too.
One thing we often see in older patients is an increased sensitivity to hot and cold. We often suggest Sensodyne toothpaste to help with this issue. Your Las Vegas Cosmetic Dentist, Smiles by Dr. Hadley, will be able to discuss the specific causes of tooth sensitivity and how we can help eliminate the issue.
The Importance of Dental Check Ups in the Older Patient
Your mouth is an indicator of the overall health of your body. That’s why it is very important to visit the dentist twice a year for a check up. We will clean and care for your teeth, do x-rays, and look for anything out of the ordinary. Make sure you bring along:
- A complete list of medications, including vitamins or any over-the-counter drugs you’re taking.
- A list of allergies or other medical conditions.
- Insurance of Medicaid cards.
- The names and numbers of all of your other doctors for our files.
- Your partials or dentures.
- Emergency contact information.
While you should always eat healthy food you can talk with Dr. Hadley and his team about ways to change your diet to help keep your teeth healthier longer. One simple help that you can provide for your teeth is to keep drinking fluoridated water. An eight-ounce glass of fluoridated water a day will help keep the dentist away.
Call your Las Vegas cosmetic dentist, Dr. Hadley if you have any questions or concerns – we’re here to help.