Maintaining Healthy Teeth and Gums Over 50

Maintaining good oral health is important at any age. But as women over the age of fifty, we know that practicing good oral health is vital. Learn the best practices for taking care of your teeth and gums after fifty with these helpful tips!

Our teeth and gums are precious to us, and at this stage in life, when so many things are already changing—we want to make sure that our smiles stay strong!

Sadly, our oral care can sometimes be overlooked (other than standard brushing), which is why I’m here today with some extra tips to help you achieve and maintain healthy teeth and gums as you enter your mature years.

So keep reading on if you’re looking for advice about optimal oral health care after fifty!

The Basics of Dental Care for Older Adults

As we age, we need to be extra vigilant about our oral health. It may be harder for older adults to maintain regular dental care routines, but proper dental care is so important.

In this article, I’ll dive into:

• Regular check-ups
• Brushing and flossing
• Choosing the right toothbrush and toothpaste
• A balanced diet 
• When to see a dentist and potential treatment options

Taking good care of your oral health assures you that your smile will last as we sail into the decades- let’s commit to taking the time now to have healthy teeth later!

The Benefits of Regular Check-ups and Cleanings

Dental Check-ups

Dental check-ups are an important part of maintaining a healthy mouth. During a check-up, your dentist will examine your teeth, gums, and mouth to identify any potential issues, such as dental cavities, tooth wear, or tooth loss, that may require treatment. Just last week, I saw my dentist for my yearly check-up (I should go every six months, but at least I go every year!) 

Your dentist may also take X-rays to better assess the condition of your teeth and gums. The overall goal is to ensure that your teeth and oral health remain in good condition and that any problems are addressed quickly.   I had X-rays taken last week to assess a tooth that was bothering me when I drank very cold drinks. He took X-rays and suggested that I wear a mouthguard at night to prevent my teeth from grinding together. 

Dental Cleanings

Dental cleanings are also an important part of maintaining good oral health. During a dental cleaning, your dentist will use specialized tools to clean and remove any plaque, tartar, and bacteria from your teeth and gums. 

This helps prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and other issues that can affect your oral health. Your dentist may also examine the condition of your gums and teeth, provide preventive advice and treatment recommendations, and perform other treatments such as fluoride application or sealant placement to help protect your teeth from cavities.

Other Benefits

Dental appointments can save you time, money, and stress in the long run by catching and preventing any issues before they become serious.

Last, check-ups are beneficial for your mental health. They provide you with the peace of mind of knowing that you are taking care of your health, and, they keep you looking great!

Brushing and Flossing

Brushing

As we age, regular brushing is important for maintaining healthy teeth. Brushing helps remove plaque and bacteria from your teeth which can lead to decay and gum disease if left untreated. 

Regular brushing also helps keep breath fresh, prevents staining, and can help maintain strong teeth. Additionally, brushing your teeth thoroughly can help with food digestion and prevent bad breath.

Flossing

Flossing also becomes more important with age because your mouth naturally dries out, and plaque builds up more easily. Regular flossing helps to remove food particles and plaque that can get stuck between your teeth, reducing the risk of gum disease and cavities. Flossing also removes bacteria that brushing alone cannot reach, helping to keep your breath fresher for longer. After brushing and flossing, it’s good practice to swish around some antiseptic mouthwash for optimal added care.

How to Choose the Right Toothpaste and Toothbrush

Toothbrushes

When choosing a toothbrush, it’s important to consider factors such as the softness of the bristles, the shape of the head, and the size of the handle. For older people with sensitive gums, a toothbrush with soft or extra-soft bristles is best, as this will prevent gum tissue damage and irritation. A toothbrush with a smaller head can also help make it easier to reach all areas in your mouth. A wider, ergonomic handle may be more comfortable to grip for people with arthritis than brushes with thin handles.

Electric toothbrushes are becoming increasingly popular among dentists and are widely recommended, but manual brushes can still do the job!

Toothpaste

It’s beneficial to choose toothpaste that contains fluoride and added ingredients that help protect against cavities, reduce acid erosion, and strengthen the teeth. For those with sensitive gums, look for toothpaste that helps soothe irritation or contains ingredients such as potassium nitrate or stannous fluoride. Other options include whitening toothpaste, natural toothpaste, tartar control toothpaste, and/or toothpaste formulated for people with dry mouth.

Ultimately, no matter which type of toothbrush you choose – just make sure to keep up with your oral hygiene routine twice daily!

Diet & Nutritional Tips for Healthy Teeth & Gums Over 50

Into your 50s, 60s, 70s, and beyond, it’s vital to maintain optimal oral health through nutrition. 

Eating a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, dairy, and lean proteins provides the essential vitamins and minerals needed for tooth enamel health – and don’t forget to factor in sources of calcium like milk, cheese, and yogurt. Reduce your intake of sugary foods and drinks, like soda, which can cause tooth decay and cavities. Also, try to avoid too many acidic drinks like coffee, which can affect sensitivity levels as well. Additionally, stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water – this helps to flush away plaque-building bacteria from your mouth. For truly strong teeth and gums, considering researching supplements such as zinc is an excellent idea as well. With a bit of dietary dedication, keeping your mouth healthy over 50 is as easy as pie!

When to See a Dentist & Treatments Available

It is recommended that you see a dentist twice a year for check-ups and preventive care or more often if you have certain issues like cavities or gum disease. 

During a routine check-up, your dentist will assess your mouth for cavities, take x-rays to detect problems beneath the surface, check for signs of periodontal disease, and clean any built-up plaque.

In addition to preventive care visits, your dentist can provide treatments such as fillings to repair cavities and extraction of teeth that cannot be saved; they can also treat periodontal (gum) disease with deep cleanings and prescribe antibiotics if necessary.

They may place crowns or bridges if any of your teeth are damaged and recommend orthodontic treatment if needed. 

No matter what kind of dental care you’re looking for, seeing a qualified professional is the best way to ensure good oral health.

Remember

Just follow the basics:

• brush twice daily,
• floss daily,
• use an antiseptic mouthwash,
• make regular visits to the dentist,
• eat more nutrient-rich foods,
• find the right toothbrush and toothpaste

It’s never too late to focus on oral hygiene. If you take the time to properly care for your mouth now, you’ll be rewarded with a lifetime of healthy and attractive teeth.

I hope you are taking good care of your teeth!

Until next time!