Oral & Dental Care in Elders

Dental & Oral Care for Elders

Dental Care is one of the most important of hygiene, especially for elders. Old is bound to create problems in your teeth mostly plaques, sharp tooth, carries, loose teeth, toothache, gum infections and others. You must follow these simple rules while brushing your teeth –

1.      Regularly brush your teeth twice a day

2.      Check the bristles of the brush and use medium bristles or soft bristles for sensitive gums

3.      Check if there is any blood stain on brush while brushing – Bleeding occurs due to gum infection, injury, ill-fitting dentures or medicines for blood thinner or anticoagulants or vigorous brushing, hard bristles

4.      Must brush teeth in a circular motion or following Modified Bass Technique i.e. hold the brush at 45 degree angle to the gum line and brush in a circular motion applying gentle pressure.

5.      Two minutes of brushing time is ideal to clean your teeth

6.      Use tooth floss at least before bed time to remove the food particles

7.      Rinse your mouth thoroughly after brushing

8.      Better to use a fluoride based toothpaste

9.      Mouthwash can be used after brushing your teeth but it is never a substitute for brushing

10.   Regularly inspect your mouth and oral cavity for any ulcers, growth or bleeding

11.   Periodically have a check up with your Dentist

12.   Never go to sleep with your dentures, if any

13.   Never neglect any pain in mouth, teeth or gums