The act of brushing one’s teeth dates back to 3000 BC when ancient civilizations used a “chew stick” made from a thin twig with a frayed end, which rubbed against the teeth. A more modern toothbrush was invented in 1780 by William Addis when he attached pig bristles to a specially carved cow bone handle, which was further modified in 1844. A more modern toothbrush like we use today came into existence in 1930.
Dental floss was invented by an American dentist named Levi Spear Parmly in 1815 when he used waxed silk thread to dislodge debris between teeth. However, floss was not introduced to North America until the 1970s, when more dentists began recommending daily floss regimens for better oral health.
I’m sure most everyone knows seniors who have suffered from oral health issues, whether it’s some level of gum disease, stained, broken, or missing teeth, ill-fitting dentures, or complications from dental implants.
My Healthfinder, a platform of the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, encourages seniors to practice these 5 simple tips for better oral health.
Brush and floss your teeth daily.
Brushing and flossing help remove plaque that builds up on teeth and causes tooth decay and gum disease. It is recommended that seniors brush their teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice each day: after breakfast and before bedtime; and floss between the teeth every day. If this is difficult to perform, talk to your dentist about other options for flossing like a special brush or pick.
Be aware of changes occurring in the mouth.
“Your risk of getting oral cancer increases as you get older. If you see any changes in your mouth, it’s important to get those changes checked out,” says My Healthfinder.
It is important to visit your doctor or dentist if any of the following persist for more than 2 weeks:
- A spot in your mouth, lip, or throat that feels uncomfortable or sore
- A lump or thick area in your mouth lip or throat
- A white or red patch in your mouth
- Trouble chewing, swallowing, or moving your jaw or tongue
- Numbness in your tongue or mouth
- Swelling in your jaw
- Pain in one ear without hearing loss
Visit the dentist routinely for checkups and cleanings.
Even though Medicare does not cover most dental care, it is important to see your dentist for a professional checkup and cleaning. At that time, ask your dentist how frequently they recommend you schedule checkups and cleanings. Seniors may consider buying private dental insurance which is available at affordable rates, too.
Talk to your doctor about dry mouth.
There are a variety of reasons why seniors suffer from dry mouth:
- It’s a side effect of some medications.
- It can be a complication from diabetes or other health conditions.
- It can occur while someone is receiving chemotherapy or radiation treatments for cancer.
“Dry mouth means not having enough saliva to keep your mouth wet. Dry mouth can make it hard to eat, swallow, or talk. It can also lead to tooth decay or infection.”
Your doctor or dentist should be able to offer specific solutions to remedy dry mouth.
Develop healthy dental habits.
My Healthfinder suggests the following to develop healthy dental habits:
- Eat healthy and limit the number of sugary foods and drinks you consume. This will prevent tooth decay and is good for your overall health.
- Don’t smoke or use other tobacco products. Smoking cigarettes, chewing tobacco, or using snuff puts you at higher risk for oral cancer. Smoking also increases your risk of gum disease.
- If you smoke, make a plan to quit. If you’re not sure where to start, call 1-800-QUITNOW (1-800-784-8669) for FREE help.
- If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation. This means one drink or less per day for women, and two drinks or less per day for men. Heavy drinking increases your risk of oral cancer.
There are lots of candy options with Halloween around the corner, and sweet treats are always expected during the upcoming holiday season. I recommend practicing moderation over sugar-loading, and I encourage seniors to follow the above tips to avoid dental problems and achieve better oral health.
If you or a senior you know could benefit from the assistance of a highly skilled and trained caregiver to help with personal care assistance for proper dental hygiene practices, transportation assistance to/from the dentist, and healthy meal planning and preparation, I offer a FREE consultation to assess specific needs and discuss the many ways Home Helpers can make life easier and healthier.
We, at Home Helpers® Clearwater, are honored to have been ranked among the Home Care Pulse Top 100 Leaders in Experience for home care providersin 2023 and to have receivedthe Best of Home Care® Provider of Choice Award 2023, the Best of Home Care® Employer of Choice Award 2023, and the Best of Home Care® Leader in Experience Award 2023.
We proudly serve male and female seniors in Clearwater, Dunedin, Palm Harbor, Safety Harbor, Tarpon Springs, Holiday, New Port Richey, Trinity, Port Richey, Hudson, and surrounding areas. Home Helpers®…we are Making Life Easier℠ 727.942.2539
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