How to Promote Good Oral Health

It’s important to take care of our oral health, especially in our senior years, because it impacts us in a variety of ways:

• Connected Health Conditions: Our oral health affects our overall health, leading to or worsening conditions like Alzheimer’s or dementia, certain cancers, diabetes, heart disease, and pulmonary issues.
• Preventable Problems: Most oral health issues are preventable and can be easily treated early, deterring unwanted future pain, dental procedures, and financial strain.
• Social Experiences: Poor oral health can hurt our confidence in social situations, with the fear of bad breath or self-consciousness about our appearance.
• Taking in Food: Oral pain and infections prevent our ability to consume and enjoy food, affecting our diets and quality of life. If you have a dietician or nutritionist, they’ll understand how to adjust meal plans and recommendations so you can nourish your body and live confidently.

“We have a nutritionist who looks into your dietary needs and goals to help you look at what types of foods and meals work for you. I think everyone is approachable if you have a problem.”
-Carolyn, Wesley Glen resident

Follow these tips to improve your oral health and lead a more independent, active lifestyle!

1. Improve Your Lifestyle and Nutrition for Better Oral Health

Establishing an active daily routine that knocks out bad habits and forms healthy practices is a great start to overall wellness, including oral health:

• Enjoy oral-healthy foods like crunchy fruits and vegetables, dairy, leafy greens, lean proteins, and green tea.
• Limit sugary foods and drinks.
• Practice good sleeping habits and wear a nightguard or remove dentures.
• Quit or reduce smoking, chewing tobacco, and drinking alcohol.
• Stay hydrated and chew sugar-free gum to help prevent dry mouth.
• Take vitamins or supplements for oral and bone health, like calcium, folic acid, zinc, and vitamins A and D.
• Wear a mouthguard during high-risk activities.

2. Clean Your Teeth or Dentures

According to the National Institute on Aging, practicing good oral hygiene is great for your overall health, so keep these tips in mind:

• Before brushing, clean between your teeth with floss or a water flosser.
• Brush your gums, teeth, and tongue at least twice a day for two minutes with small circular brushing movements. Consider an electric toothbrush if you have trouble maintaining that movement.
• For dentures, brush them with toothpaste, then soak in denture-cleaning solution, and brush again twice a day.
• Replace your toothbrush every three to four months or sooner if the bristles are worn out.
• Use antibacterial mouthwash after meals.
• Use fluoride toothpaste and a brush with soft bristles.

3. Visit Your Dentist About Your Oral Health

The best thing to do is consult your dentist about good oral health practices and see them every six months. Now’s the perfect time to schedule an appointment with a dentist or potentially a speech-language pathologist if you experience:

• Bleeding gums
• Chronic bad breath
• Coatings on the tongue or palate
• Difficulty chewing
• Dry mouth
• Gum recession
• Ill-fitting bridges or dentures
• Loose or missing teeth, dentures, or implants
• Mouth sores that won’t go away
• Tooth decay
• Toothache

Explore how you can make the most of retirement in our ebook, Nutritional Culinary Tips for Seniors!

At Life Enriching Communities (LEC), we’re committed to ensuring patrons feel well-equipped to plan their future and age how they wish. Explore more resources on senior living or contact us today to learn more about our legacy of services and programs that bring meaning and purpose to every stage of life.