Oral health is important throughout all stages of life, and must continue to be a priority throughout the senior years. Growing older has an impact on various aspects of a person’s health, their oral health included. Let’s take a look at everything that you need to know about aging and oral health.
How Oral Health is Linked to Overall Health Many recent studies have cemented the link between oral health and overall health. It is now widely accepted that poor oral hygiene can exacerbate and possibly even lead to conditions such as pneumonia, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. Maintaining good oral hygiene can help prevent these conditions, and may even aid in the prevention of diseases such as osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis. How You Can Maintain Good Oral Health The good news is that it is very possible to maintain good oral health into your senior years. Just follow these three easy tips: 1. Practice good oral hygiene habits Having good oral hygiene means regularly brushing and flossing your teeth. Make sure you are brushing at least twice a day and using a toothpaste that contains fluoride. 2. Watch what goes in your mouth For healthy teeth you need a healthy and balanced diet which limits too many sugary snacks. You should also avoid smoking and drinking too much alcohol, as both can damage the teeth. 3. Schedule regular dental appointments Do what you can do by brushing, flossing, eating well, and avoiding harmful habits, and leave the rest up to your dentist. Make sure you are seeing your dentist at least twice a year, or even more often depending on what they recommend for you. Concerned for Your Own or a Loved One’s Oral Health? If you are growing older and concerned about oral health, or if you are perhaps concerned about the oral health of an aging parent, then don’t hesitate to take yourself or your loved one to see an Edmonton family dentist at the Westmount Dental Centre. We welcome new patients and children and are committed to providing top quality dental and denture care in Edmonton. Contact the Westmount Dental Centre today to set up and appointment for yourself or for your loved one.