Dental Hygiene For Seniors

If proper senior hygenic care is an issue for you please be aware of and practice the following rules:

• Brush, floss and rinse with mouthwash properly to maintain dental hygiene, as instructed by your dentist.
  
• Look into special toothbrushes to clean hard-to-reach areas of the mouth.
• Know the warning signs that indicate your mouth, teeth or gums may be in jeopardy, including tooth sensitivity, teeth grinding, pain, mouth sores, bumps, swelling, loose teeth, jaw popping or clicking, difficulty quenching thirst, swallowing or chewing.
  
• Visit your dentist as often as he or she recommends for regular dental hygiene checkups.
  
• Maintain dental appliances such as dentures and dental bridges properly.
  
• Consider seeing your dentist before and after surgery.
  
• Tell your dentist about any medications that you are taking or changes to medication.
  
• If brushing and flossing are difficult for you, try to elongate the toothbrush with tongue depressors or something similar, or ask for assistance. You may also try using a soft washcloth or gauze to remove debris from the teeth, rinsing frequently. Use this method until you are able to brush your teeth again. People suffering from arthritis or a similar medical condition that limits manual dexterity can try inserting the back end of a toothbrush into a standard tennis ball for better maneuverability. Your dentist may recommend other such innovations designed to make the practice of oral hygiene simple and effective.