It’s easy to take your oral health for granted, but that doesn’t mean that you should. As you age, your teeth become more prone to serious conditions that can leave you reliant on dentures for the rest of your life.
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If you’ve let your dental routine slip, it’s time to make some changes. Are you guilty of the following poor teeth habits? Turn things around to enjoy better oral health and maintain a brighter, whiter smile.
You’re not brushing enough
Almost 30% of Americans don’t brush their teeth as often as they should. It’s important to brush your teeth twice a day to get rid of any food and drink left on your teeth that can turn into damaging plaque. Make the effort to brush in the morning and at night to keep your teeth clean and to keep your mouth fresh. An electric toothbrush is a fantastic way to make teeth cleaning easy and ensure that you get all of those hard to reach places.
You’re not flossing
Flossing can make a big difference to the health of your teeth and gums, but are you making the effort to floss every day? Flossing can help reduce your chances of getting gum disease, clearing out the debris between your teeth that your toothbrush can’t always reach. Flossing daily takes just a couple of minutes and it can save you a lot of hassle further down the line. If you like to use gadgets in your home, try using an air flosser for an easy way to floss that doesn’t produce waste.
You’re skipping the dentist
A fear of the dentist is common, but avoiding your appointments can lead to serious dental issues that can be more difficult to rectify later on. Book an appointment at your local dentist office to make sure everything is in order and that you don’t have any cavities that need filling. Your dentist is there to help you and a 15-minute checkup can save you a lot of pain that can happen if you ignore problems with your teeth.
Eating and drinking sugar too close to bedtime
Do you have a sweet tooth? It could be ruining your teeth. Drinking sodas or eating sugary snacks close to bedtime can have an impact on your teeth, with plaque developing easily overnight. Cut down your sugar intake for an effective way to reduce plaque and to keep your teeth looking healthy and white.
If your oral health is making you anxious, make sure you visit a dentist to resolve any problems quickly. You can easily switch up your routine to help you take better care of your teeth and gums. A healthy mouth is important as you age, and just as you’d take care of your sight or your hearing, you should also make your oral health a priority. Ditch the bad habits and start taking better care of your teeth for a smile that sparkles.
These are good suggestions. Seniors often don’t have any dental coverage, especially for a treatment, so it can be very hard to do everything to have good dental health.