Dental Care for Seniors
May 20, 2025
Keep your smile healthy and strong as you age
Dental Services
Professional Contributor

Regular dental check-ups
- Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings.
- Regular check-ups can catch any potential issues early on and prevent them from turning into bigger problems.
- Your dentist can also provide advice on how to improve your dental hygiene routine.
Brushing and flossing regularly
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day using a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss daily to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth.
- Proper oral hygiene can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
Eating a healthy diet
- Avoid sugary and acidic foods and drinks, as they can contribute to tooth decay.
- Include plenty of fruits and vegetables in your diet for their nutritional benefits.
- Choose foods that are rich in calcium and vitamin D to help maintain strong teeth and bones.
Avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption
- Both tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption can have negative effects on your dental health.
- Tobacco use can lead to gum disease, tooth loss, and oral cancer.
- Excessive alcohol consumption can increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
- Avoiding these habits can help keep your smile healthy and strong.
Using mouthguards
- If you participate in sports or other physical activities, consider wearing a mouthguard to protect your teeth from injury.
- Mouthguards can help prevent tooth fractures, lip injuries, and other dental emergencies.
- There are different types of mouthguards available, including custom-made ones that provide the best fit and protection.
Managing dry mouth
- As you age, you may experience dry mouth due to certain medications or medical conditions.
- Drink plenty of water and chew sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva production.
- Avoid caffeinated and alcoholic beverages, as they can contribute to dry mouth.
- Your dentist may recommend artificial saliva products or other treatments to help manage dry mouth.
Addressing dental issues promptly
- If you experience any dental pain, sensitivity, or other issues, don't ignore them.
- Seek prompt dental care to prevent the problem from worsening.
- Early intervention can often save your natural teeth and prevent more expensive and invasive treatments.
Considering dental insurance or discount plans
- As you age, the cost of dental care may become a concern.
- Consider obtaining dental insurance or looking into dental discount plans to help manage the costs.
- These options can provide coverage or discounts for routine check-ups, cleanings, and other dental treatments.
Practicing good oral hygiene habits
- In addition to brushing and flossing, there are other habits that can contribute to good dental health.
- Avoid using your teeth as tools to open packages or bite into hard objects.
- Use a tongue scraper to remove bacteria from your tongue.
- Consider using an antimicrobial mouthwash to help reduce bacteria in your mouth.