Aging is a journey none of us can ignore. As the new chapter of our life turns, it brings new things, both good and bad. During this transition, there is one aspect we tend to neglect more often than not - our oral health. 

Even under dental health, gum health is the one that takes the blow of your negligence. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2 in 3 adults of age 65 or above have gum disease. 

Clearly, as you grow older, your teeth and gums require attention to keep them in a healthy condition in the later stages of life. Keeping this in mind, this blog digs deeper into the link between aging and oral health and shares how you can take care of your bright smile before age takes over its shine!

Do you often wonder what is the gum health and aging connection and why do dentists ask to focus more on gum health as we age? Well, let us decode this for you in simple terms. 

As we move away from childhood to adulthood, general health conditions are onset, like reduced stomach acid, muscle loss, and diminished skin volume and elasticity. With all these changes constantly happening in our bodies, we often find it difficult to maintain a healthy and balanced diet as important nutrients like magnesium, calcium, Vitamin-C, Vitamin B12, and iron are not absorbed properly.

Since these nutrients play an essential part in keeping our gums strong, gum disease risks in older adults rise significantly. The gums can start to recede, making tooth roots exposed and mouths vulnerable to various dental health concerns like tooth decay, periodontitis, gingivitis, tooth sensitivity, and bad breath.

However, starting today, you can safeguard your mouth from these conditions by taking care of your gum health. With our easy yet effective tips for caring for aging gums, you can beat the beast of gum problems and preserve healthy gums throughout your life.

Live the golden years of your life accompanied by strong gums and a vibrant smile by following these senior dental health care tips:

1.Follow Proper Dental Care

As you age, you must follow proper dental care more than ever. Brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes is crucial by using a toothbrush with soft bristles and fluoride toothpaste. Also, floss away the food particles stuck between your teeth at least once daily to avoid building up bacteria and plaque. 

If you are suffering from arthritis or health conditions that limit movement, consult your dentist for product recommendations like an electric toothbrush to make brushing easier. For flossing, using a floss holder and an interdental cleaner can help the condition.

2.Follow a Balanced Diet

As stated earlier, diet plays a significant role in gum care for seniors. Incorporate foods rich in vitamin C like citrus fruits-oranges and limes to keep the connective tissues in your gum healthy. Additionally, supplement your diet with dairy foods like milk and cheese, rich in calcium, to keep your bones strong and prevent tooth loss.

Besides these two nutrients, include foods rich in phosphorus, Vitamin-A, Vitamin-D, and iron to improve overall mouth health. These foods help remove bacteria and acid in teeth and prevent gums from receding. However, if you're undergoing some treatment for pre-existing health conditions, you should consult your doctor about the diet to avoid any reactions to the medications. 

Further, limit the intake of snacks and beverages high in sugar and carbohydrates as they can lead to tooth decay. 

3.Boosting Hydration

Older adults are more prone to dehydration due to underlying health conditions, medications, and reduced thirst response. As a result, this leads to a condition called dry mouth, wherein the salivary glands do not produce enough saliva. 

Since saliva helps clean the teeth throughout the day, assisting in getting rid of plaque and bacteria causing gingivitis in seniors, it is important for seniors to drink more water and reduce the consumption of alcohol and caffeinated drinks.

Dentists might sometimes recommend artificial saliva, sugar-free chewing gums, and sucking ice chips to moisten the mouth as well. 

4.Break Free From Bad Habits

Habits like smoking can prove dangerous for overall gum health as they recede gums and worsen the condition of already receding gums. According to the CDC, there is twice the risk of gum disease for a smoker as compared to a non-smoker. 

So, if you are an active smoker, it is best to quit smoking to secure your gum health. If you struggle to quit smoking, consult a healthcare professional and start nicotine replacement therapy.

Even after taking care of your gums by diligently following our advice, there are still chances that you might develop gum diseases as you progress in age. If you notice early signs of gum diseases like toothache, bad breath, red and swollen gums, tender gums, or loose teeth, contact our expert dentists at MacArthur Dental Arts and get the support you need to restore your oral health.

With a timely gum disease screening, we can control gum diseases with dental cleanings, root planing, and scaling before they become major dental problems leading to teeth loss. The procedures are designed in a way that you feel no restlessness or nervousness and recover faster. 

Schedule an appointment today or visit our clinic and get your dental problems resolved without hassles.

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