Oral Care
Dental Care for Seniors
It has been an established fact that our body will slowly degenerate as we age. This is part of the cycle we call 'life'. Aside from the wrinkles on our skin, our bones will become more fragile as compared when we were younger and so the rest of our body organs.
One of the most common problems that seniors experience is poor dental health. There are so many dental problems that aging people might encounter. These include dry mouth, uneven jawbone, darkened teeth, tooth decay, cavities, and teeth loss. There are plenty of reasons why this happen. One reason can be attributed to the changes in the bone tissues. As we age, a lot of changes happen in our body from our brain to the tip of our toes and our teeth are no exception. Another reason is the loss of teeth enamel, which is an important substance that protects the teeth. Medications, radiations due to treatment, and diseases can also affect the dental health of an old person.
Caring for Your Gums
We're always told that we need to care for our teeth, ever since we were kids. However, we shouldn't forget our gums - after all, they're just as important as our teeth. So, if you want good, over-all dental health, make sure you follow these tips for healthy gums.
Visit The Dentist Regularly
One of the best things you can do for your teeth and gums is to visit your dentist twice a year. Most people are so busy with their lives, or perhaps they think brushing and flossing daily is enough, However, the dentist, being a knowledgeable professional will be able to see thing you can't see, like cavities or gum diseases. If they do find something, they can give you advice or even treatments.
Dental Health Myth Busted
Brushing, flossing and using mouthwash are all great forms of dental hygiene but like all other health regimens the reason behind doing these things or what causes one to have to do these small but tedious steps on a regular basis are not always clear. Many times people with poor dental health are misinformed about traditional hygiene and by steps taught by elders in the family. For instance, eating sugar is not just the root of poor dental health (starches can be just as bad.)
What is the Proper Way to Floss?
Most people consider flossing as an alternative to using a toothpick. The misconception is that it is only done to remove large particles of food that get stuck in between our teeth. Although this is correct, flossing does so much more than it’s given credit for. Remember that brushing our teeth alone does not remove all the plaque and unwanted particles in our mouth. Some of these are left in between our teeth and need to be flossed out. If left unattended plaque will harden and become tartar - requiring a dentist to remove it. Bacteria build up that is also left unchecked may result in tooth decay - leading to root canals, or worse, an extraction. Knowing this, it is important to floss at least once a day to prevent plaque and bacteria buildup. This will ensure that our teeth remain fresher, cleaner and healthier - resulting in fewer visits to the dentist.
What is Flouride and Why Do We Need It?
Fluoride—the earth’s 13th most abundant element—is found naturally in soil, plant life and processed foods. Fluoride has been added to our tap water since the 1940s to prevent common tooth decay. Research has found that people who grew up drinking naturally fluoridated water had up to two-thirds fewer cavities than people living in areas without the increased rate of fluoride. Fluoride has come under some controversy after studies found high cancer rates associated with over consumption of the mineral. Still, the American Dental Association, the World Health Organization and the American Medical Association have all endorsed fluoride as an effective preventative to tooth decay.
How to Conquer Your Fear of the Dentist
If you break into a cold sweat just thinking about a trip to the dentist, you’re not alone. There are many, many people who’ve had horrible experiences at a dentist, often as a child, and so, they can’t bring themselves to go back.
Why You Should Visit Your Dentist Every Six Months
For most of us, scheduling a routine dental check-up is probably a daunting task while considering the million things we have to do outside of just work. Just realize that dentists play a major part in maintaining overall dental health, so making biannual visits is necessary to ensure the good health of your teeth and gums. The American Dental Association recommends visiting a dentist at least twice a year in order to maintain proper health and hygiene for your teeth.
What is your Dentist Looking for During a Check-Up?
During a visit, dentists will perform a thorough examination of your teeth, gums and mouth to help identify any potential signs of disease or tooth decay. The dentist’s goal is to help patients maintain oral health and to identify potential problems before becoming serious. There are several techniques a dentist will utilize to help identify issues and determine overall health.
How to Choose a Dentist
There are many factors to consider when choosing a dentist. First and foremost, you should take into account where the dental practice is located, and if the office is convenient to your home or workplace. Also, don’t forget to check into the business hours to make sure they fit with your schedule. Is the dentist’s office open five days a week? Do they have early morning or lunchtime hours so that you can make dental appointments around your work schedule?
All About Brushing--How to Brush and What to Use
Studies have shown oral care to be an import component to our overall health, influencing issues such as heart disease and human lifespan. However, even with the available information, and the constant flow of new products being introduced to help make oral care more effective and convenient, the monotonous task of brushing is often neglected by children and busy adults alike. Brushing regularly remains the single most effective way to remove harmful plaque from the teeth and gums. With regular checkups and habitual brushing, healthy teeth and oral well-being are certainty achievable.
Should You Use an Electric or a Traditional Toothbrush?
When electrically powered toothbrushes were introduced in the 1960s they turned out to be ineffective, and prone to mechanical failure. During the years that followed, they tended to be used only by people with either dexterity problems or cognitive impairment, while the rest of the population stuck to traditional toothbrushes. The 1990s saw the introduction of a new range of oscillating-rotating and counter-rotational electrical toothbrush designs. When mated to more powerful motors, these competed with manual brushing and flossing for the first time, including essential inter-proximal cleaning between adjacent teeth, and improved gingival health due to better gum massaging.
