Oral health is a major deciding factor in how pleasurable and carefree your day-to-day life is. Poor oral hygiene can cause several issues down the line; in fact, dental disease is a dominant cause of emergency room visits year-round. Dental hygiene is not the only factor that affects oral health since your diet, medications, and even illnesses like heart disease and diabetes have some impact. A strict and stable oral care routine is crucial for adults of all ages, especially seniors.
A dentist’s intervention is essential for everybody to maintain good oral health. No wonder dentistry took a giant leap during COVID-19. According to Forbes, a major technological advancement in dental care took place in the form of teledentistry. It became an indispensable resource during the COVID-19 global pandemic when dentistry had come to a halt across the country. You simply cannot undermine or ignore the importance of dental care in maintaining good health.
Major Health Issues Linked To Oral Hygiene
Dry Mouth: Dry mouth is a condition where you do not produce enough saliva, leading to issues talking and chewing, and also not being able to prevent infections that take root in the mouth. It can become extremely serious very quickly.
Gum Issues: Periodontitis and several gum issues are quite common among the elderly, especially if they do not take good care of their teeth and mouth. These deadly diseases, if left unchecked, spread to other parts of the body, cause tremendous pain and discomfort, and in some cases may also be fatal. If you have been neglecting your dental health issues, you may schedule an appointment with a qualified and competent dentist at BattleDental today!
Pneumonia: Mouth infections can travel further down your body to the lungs, wreaking havoc there and leaving them vulnerable to serious respiratory illnesses like bronchitis and pneumonia. Depending on the severity, these issues can be an inconvenience that takes you out of whatever activity you want to do, to a severe illness that can have you sidelined for weeks. Acute cases of pneumonia are also deadly if left untreated. While these diseases can be contracted in several ways, you can certainly reduce the probability of contracting them by maintaining great oral hygiene.
Heart Disease: In recent years, a correlation between oral diseases and cardiovascular ailments has been noticed by the medical community. While researchers have not yet been able to precisely nail down the nature of this connection, it is well-acknowledged among experts. Doctors suggest erring on the side of caution since it is likely that issues like clogged arteries, endocarditis, and other heart diseases may have originated as inflammation and infection in the mouth.
The Best Way To Look After Your Dental And Oral Health
The elderly must take extra good care of themselves in the oral department and here are some of the best ways:
Brush and Floss Regularly: Brushing your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and a soft toothbrush mandatory to maintain good hygiene. If you can do one better and add a flossing session after each brush, you would fare that much better. Flossing removes food particles and plaque that are stuck in places your brush cannot reach, which would eventually become breeding grounds for bacteria. A good routine will prevent infection and decay and leave you feeling nice and fresh. This dentist in Rockefeller Center also adds that it’s best to use a mouthwash as well after brushing and flossing.
Clean Your Dentures Regularly: You need to pay particular attention to cleaning your dentures just like the way you would clean your natural teeth. A regular cleaning routine is essential for removing food particles to prevent harmful bacteria from breeding and thriving inside the mouth. You may keep your dentures scrupulously clean by using a denture cleaner or mild soap.
Conclusion
You may go for routine checkups so that your dentist may detect any indications of bacteria buildup or infection. Proper oral hygiene and dental care ensure overall good health for elderly people. If you are looking for top-notch dental care, make sure to contact a winnipeg dentist like East Kildonan Dental for a comprehensive and exceptional experience.
