How Older Adults Can Prevent Dental Injuries

As people age, their teeth become more vulnerable to injuries and other risks, which is why it is so important for older adults to stay on top of their oral health. One way to do this is to remain attentive to certain behaviors that might affect your oral health and then treat them. So, here are some minor adjustments older adults can make to prevent any serious or even just everyday dental injuries.

Avoid Dry Mouth

Depending on the medication one takes, it’s common to experience dry mouth or xerostomia. When dry mouth is left untreated, bad bacteria, not washed away by saliva, can build up in the mouth and cause more damage. To prevent experiencing dry mouth, try chewing sugar free gum to stimulate the flow of saliva. It also helps to limit caffeine intake and avoid products that contain alcohol. Continue to drink water regularly and use products with fluoride to encourage stronger oral health.

Moderate Sugar Intake

Too much sugar and not enough fluoride can speed up tooth decay. It’s important for older adults to brush and floss regularly to avoid plaque buildup caused by food debris, especially if it contained a lot of sugar. Avoiding hard candies or gummy treats can prevent cracks in teeth or holes from cavities.

Protect Sensitive Teeth

Sensitive teeth can make simple tasks like eating and drinking uncomfortable. This can come from brushing too hard or from using a hard-bristled brush. It’s also a sign of worn enamel, which can worsen sensitivity and leave teeth more vulnerable to injury. To treat sensitive teeth, use a desensitizing toothpaste and brush with lighter strokes.

Rinse and Repeat

Even with dentures, older adults need to care for them as if they were their own teeth. Specifically, the gums and tongue need to be brushed to prevent bad bacteria from building up. Recessed gums may seem less vulnerable, but there is still a risk for gum disease. It would show itself initially as gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease, but it can be treated with proper care. Properly caring for dentures can also prevent injury to gums—dentures should be kept moist and brought to your dentist’s attention if they need repairs.

Wear a Mouth Guard

Staying active is great for overall health, but older adults—and everyone else really—involved in athletic activities should wear protective gear. Wearing a mouth guard especially can protect teeth and even prevent concussions. For mouth guards, there is the option of a custom fit guard made by your dentist, a pre-formed guard, or a boil and bite guard that adapts to the shape of the mouth. Mouth guards are also great for protecting braces or any bridgework.

Schedule Appointments

The dentist’s office doesn’t have an age limit, so older adults should schedule appointments for themselves often. Consulting with the dentist regularly helps you detect and treat conditions early on. Dentists can also perform basic teeth cleanings to ward off any conditions that may affect one’s oral health.

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