Oral hygiene: just as important for the elderly

Fifty years ago, it was normal to have gaps in the teeth here and there as people got older. Now it is much more common for people to keep their own teeth for life. But scrupulous oral hygiene is essential.

Daily dental care

Brush and clean your teeth twice a day. The same applies if you have false teeth or implants. Although they cannot develop caries, a low pH value and bacterial deposits contribute to fungal infections and so on. The older you are, the easier it is to get infections in the mouth.

Pay attention to your diet

Keep to three meals and two snacks, but avoid snacking in between. As we are all aware, sugar is never good for the teeth. If you wake up at night with a dry mouth and throat, quench your thirst with a glass of water that you keep at your bedside.

Dry mouth

If you are elderly and take medication, you should also be aware of the possibility of a dry mouth. It is a common side effect, particularly if you combine different medications. Your teeth will not get rinsed clean, and food will stick to dry tooth surfaces and mucous membranes, which in turn leads to loose teeth and to caries. So be extra vigilant about oral hygiene and make sure you moisten your teeth regularly if you take any medication.

More time for oral hygiene

Oral health is linked to the health of the entire body. As you get older, and your body is less resistant, dental problems can lead to more repair work, at greater expense. But one advantage of getting older is that you will probably also have more time to attend to oral hygiene, which will help to keep your mouth happy and healthy.