Dental Hygiene Tips for the Elderly

A healthy, attractive smile improves your appearance at any age. Unfortunately, senior citizens tend to have it doubly hard when it comes to maintaining healthy teeth and gums. If you are over age 65, you have a higher risk for developing serious oral health conditions. Furthermore, fixed monthly budgets and lowered benefits on insurance plans can make caring for teeth more difficult just as more problems begin to crop up. The Corona dentists at Dental Associates of Corona are here to help seniors save on dental hygiene products without sacrificing high quality and effectiveness.

Toothbrushes

The American Dental Association (ADA) does not discern between manual and electric toothbrushes in terms of effectively removing plaque, tartar, germs, and food debris. However, if arthritis or neurological impairment interferes with your ability to use a toothbrush to optimal capabilities, then you may consider powered options to compensate for a lack of dexterity. Electric or “sonic” toothbrushes have larger handles and smaller heads, making them easier to manipulate. Additionally, they vibrate on their own for just the right pressure.

Dental Floss

Flossing your teeth is critical to keeping the hard-to-reach spaces between your teeth clean and free of harmful plaque buildup. When it comes to aging, just as with brushing teeth, problems with dexterity can make manipulating traditional dental floss difficult. Handheld plastic flossers or water flossers allow you to floss more easily. High tech sonic water flossers are a pricey investment at first, but will last for years, potentially evening out with traditional floss costs over time. Try flossing before brushing so that debris left on the surfaces of teeth will be swept away.

Visit your Corona Dentists

At Dental Associates of Corona, we provide comprehensive dental care for patients of all ages, as well as multi-specialty dentistry. Contact our 92879 dentist office by calling (951) 273-9580 to schedule an appointment today. We welcome patients from Corona and all neighboring communities.