Oral care is needed at any age, but your Newport Beach dentist has likely seen many older adults who have begun to neglect the good habits that they have maintained throughout their lives. If that happens, it might be because they are growing forgetful, or they might feel that it no longer matters what happens to their teeth. But there is never a convenient time to lose your permanent teeth, even for those that are advanced in years. Without them it is difficult to chew and swallow, and while having dentures presents a possible solution, no one would prefer to have them over their original teeth. Follow these tips and continue to protect your teeth as you move through older adulthood.
Pay Attention to Your Diet
Your diet is going to dictate the quality of life that you have, Newport Beach, and that continues to be true when you are older as it was when you were younger. As your dentist knows, the consumption of sugary soft drinks, candy, and other sweets should be kept to a minimum if you want to keep your teeth healthy and free of cavities. You should also eat a healthy diet that includes low-fat dairy, fruits and vegetables, beans, nuts, seeds, lean meat, fish, whole grains, and poultry. It will help with weight regulation alongside proper exercise, but it will also mean healthy teeth and gums.
It’s Never Too Late to Quit Smoking
For older adults that have smoked or used chewing tobacco for the majority of their lives, it is going to be difficult to kick the habit, but it is always possible. Every cigarette you smoke is adversely affecting your oral health, as you run the risk of various cancers that are extremely unpleasant and potentially life-threatening. You will also stain your teeth if you continue to smoke, and it contributes to poor gum health, which can cause your permanent teeth to loosen and fall out. If you feel unable to quit on your own, speak to your Newport Beach dentist. They should have some tips on how to fight your cravings.
Poor dental health is never a good thing, and as you age, it can make you miserable. To avoid infections, stick to a rigid routine of brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash at least twice a day. If you neglect your teeth then chewing and swallowing will become problematic, but also you will feel less confident when you lose some of them and the ones that remain are unpleasant shades of yellow, gray, or black. Your smile should be one of your best features at any age, so don’t let your oral hygiene fall off, Newport Beach.