Bonaventure Senior Living Talks About Oral Health

Bonaventure Senior Living oral health tips

Bonaventure Senior Living oral health tips. As we age, our bodies are prone to a number of health issues. One that is often not taken into account until it is too late is the way our mouths and teeth change as we become elderly. Senior citizens, as a group, are more prone to certain dental health issues. Darkened teeth, gum disease, root decay, tooth loss and dry mouth are just a few of the maladies that can strike due to age or the side effects of medication, or both. If that wasn't enough to content with, aging also brings on changes in our sense of taste and a reduction in the amount of saliva our bodies produce. Lifestyle choices like smoking or cola and wine consumption can permanently stain and discolor the teeth, with the cumulative effect not being visible until our golden years. And trust me, you don't stop caring about having a beautiful smile just because you are old. Cancer treatments like radiation and chemotherapy can trigger the condition known as thrush, which is an overgrowth of fungus in the mouth. Bonaventure Senior Living knows there is a lot to contend with as we age, and the issues our teeth and mouths face are not to be taken lightly. As we age, our gum tissue both recedes and decays. This causes the roots of the teeth to be exposed to acids from foods and beverages that cause tooth decay. Senior citizens should visit their dentist at least twice per year for cleanings and checkups. This dental intervention can make all the difference in the world in preserving the beautiful smiles of our senior citizen long into their golden years. Obviously, daily brushing and flossing is the key to great dental health no matter what your age is, but did you know it can also help with memory loss? It's true! Performing an old skill in a new way such as trying to eat or brush your teeth with your non-dominant hand can wake up your brain and lead to new connections being made in your brain. When you brush, floss and rinse, be sure to use products that have fluoride, as even as seniors we need to pay attention to plaque and try and prevent its build up. By paying attention to dental health on a daily basis, we can all retain our beautiful smiles long into our old age. Bonaventure Senior Living.