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<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nYour teeth age with you. It\u2019s important to keep them strong\nand healthy even as you grow older. Seniors are at a higher risk for developing\nperiodontal disease. In addition to getting a regular dental examination, here\nare some other tips to keep your teeth healthy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Keep a Routine<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Regardless of age, we cannot stress the importance of\nkeeping up with a daily oral hygiene routine. Make sure you are brushing\ntwice-daily and flossing at least once per day. For seniors with dentures, it\nis important that you remove them for at least four hours each day. We\nrecommend removing them at night. Dentures need to be cleaned daily so make it\npart of your routine as well. We also suggest staying hydrated by drinking\nwater. Not only does water help keep you producing enamel building saliva, but\nif it contains fluoride, it can help keep your teeth strong. Make a regular\nvisit to our office part of your routine as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tips for Caregivers<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n If you are the primary caregiver of someone elderly, working\nwith them to keep their teeth healthy can be a challenge. It is up to you to\nremind them to brush and floss regularly. Help them by establishing a routine\nand set times for brushing their teeth. We ask that you assist them in making\nan appointment to visit our dental office. If keeping up with daily dental\nhealth seems to be too difficult, please contact our office. We can work with\nyou to offer some advice and solutions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Financial Assistance<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n For seniors in a nursing home that are enrolled in state or\nnational financial programs, the American Dental Association (ADA) suggests\nconsidering the Incurred Medical Expense regulation. This works to assist in\npaying for care that is deemed a necessity. If our dentist finds that treatment\nmust be done, consider this as an option to lessen the financial burden. Talk\nto your nursing home or care facility\u2019s caseworker for more information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Don\u2019t Forget About\nGums<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Periodontal disease, or gum disease, can be brought on by certain\nmedications. When you visit our office, be sure to update us on any changes to\nyour medications. At times, early periodontal disease is painless which makes\nit even more important that you keep a regular routine of visiting our office for\na thorough exam and evaluation. According to the ADA, more than 47% of adults\nover the age of 30 have chronic periodontitis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Keeping your teeth healthy as you age can be difficult. We\nsuggest sticking to a daily routine in terms of brushing and flossing, and\nkeeping up with regular visits to our office. If you are the caregiver of an\nelderly spouse, parent, or loved one, do not overlook their oral health. Make\nsure they are receiving the needed attention and are sticking to a daily oral\nhealthy routine. <\/p>\n\n\n\n