Boomers have something to smile about says Dronfield dental expert
Once upon a time a senior smile was a euphemism for false teeth but not anymore. A growing percentage of seniors are smiling because they have adopted excellent oral hygiene habits with regular dentist visits. It looks like a great smile is no longer the prerogative of the young.
While no longer the largest generation, there are approximately 13.4 million members of the Baby Boomer generation in the UK aged between 59-77 and Boomers are more switched on than ever about oral care.
“I have a lot of patients who are retired and they come for regular hygiene appointments, want to know about the best products to use and will go out of their way to avoid dentures”, says dental hygienist Emma Nelson from The Dental Referral Centre in Dronfield.
While it’s true that advancing age can make oral issues like dry mouth (often caused by medication), gum disease and just daily wear-and-tear on teeth more common, the good news is there’s plenty older people can do to keep their mouth and smile healthy. The right daily habits make a huge difference and it’s never too late to improve an oral care routine.
“Looking after your teeth and gums protects more than just your smile. It’s part of keeping yourself feeling well overall”, continues Emma. “Yes, our oral health changes as we age, but small steps done regularly can help you stay comfortable and confident well into later life”.
Here are Emma's Top Tips for a healthier senior smile:
1. Brush at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and use interdental cleaners such as DenTek's floss picks or interdental brushes daily
2. Visit your dentist regularly, even if you no longer have your natural teeth, to keep on top of important gum health. As you get older you can be more susceptible to gum disease causing receding gums and deterioration of the supporting structures of the teeth, leading to potential tooth loss
3. Keep hydrated to reduce symptoms of dry mouth
4. Maintain a balanced diet rich in fresh fruit, vegetables and calcium to support teeth and bone strength
5. Toothbrushing alone can miss certain areas of the mouth so interdental cleaning is especially important for older adults. Floss picks and interdental brushes are designed to clean between teeth and around dental work, the areas most prone to buildup and decay. They are comfortable and easy to hold even for those with limited dexterity. With age, the gaps between teeth can widen due to gum recession so choosing the correct size of interdental products may change over time.
By adopting a thorough oral hygiene routine including interdental cleaning, older adults can protect their teeth and gums and maintain a confident smile throughout life.