San Francisco and Marin CA
Aging is inevitable. We all want to have as many happy, healthy years of life as we can. That means eating right, getting proper sleep and exercising regularly. You might be scrupulous about your health and wellness, but you should be just as vigilant about the health of your teeth. Oral health is important throughout life but especially as we approach those “golden years.” Today on the blog, your family dentists in San Francisco provide some tips on how to keep your gums and teeth healthy as you get older.
Brush twice each day: The American Dental Association recommends that each of us brush our teeth twice per day, from the time a child’s first primary tooth emerges through the gum line. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush or ADA-approved electric toothbrush, as well as a fluoridated toothpaste.
Floss daily: Even the most thorough and diligent tooth brushing regimen will not completely keep your teeth clean. It is impossible to adequately clean those crevices between teeth with a toothbrush. That is why flossing is so valuable. You can use dental floss, a flossing pick or a water flosser. Whatever method you choose, just make sure you do it once per day.
Hydrate: When it comes to both overall health and dental health, water is the best beverage choice you can make. It is calorie-free and sugar-free. Water encourages production of saliva, which naturally washes away food particles left lingering in your mouth after meals, helps maintain a neutral pH balance and keep your mouth lubricated.
See your dentist regularly: Even as you get older, it is important to keep seeing your dentist once every six months, as recommended by the ADA. At Glen park Dental, each of these dental checkups will include a professional cleaning of your teeth, as performed by one of our skilled and compassionate dental hygienists. Each checkup also includes a thorough examination of your teeth and mouth, which includes a screening for oral cancer. These appointments also allow our staff to maintain a regularly updated record of your oral condition, and act quickly if any dramatic changes are observed. Have you lost all of your permanent teeth? Regular dental checkups are still crucial to monitor the condition of your dentures, as well as the health of your gums and jawbone.
Maintain a healthy routine: Eat a healthy diet and limit your consumption of sugar. Refrain from using tobacco in any form and if you do smoke or use chewing tobacco, please consider quitting. If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation – one drink or less per day for women and two or fewer drinks each day for men.
Dental care for seniors in the Bay Area
The professional expertise and care at Glen Park Dental can help you maintain your lifelong commitment to good oral health and, with it, improved overall wellness. Has it been more than six months since your last dental checkup? Now is a great time to get back on track. Glen Park Dental currently is accepting new patients. Schedule your consultation today by calling (415) 585-1500 or completing our contact form online.
