How to Maintain a Healthy Gum and Dental System

Mansureh Akhavan^*
*Correspondence: Mansureh Akhavan, Department of Persian Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran, Email:

Keywords

Dental system • Healthy gum • Oral health

Introduction

To prevent tooth decay and gum disease, it is important to practice good oral hygiene habits. This includes brushing your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing at least once a day, and using an antiseptic mouthwash to kill bacteria and freshen breath. Regular dental check-ups are also important for identifying and treating any dental problems early on. In addition to maintaining good oral hygiene habits, there are several lifestyle factors that can affect our oral health as we age. For example, a diet that is high in sugar and processed foods can increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Eating a balanced diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help to keep our teeth and gums healthy [1].

Literature Review

Dental system

Another important factor to consider is medication. Many older adults take medications that can cause dry mouth, which can increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. If you are experiencing dry mouth, talk to your healthcare provider about possible solutions, such as drinking more water, using artificial saliva, or adjusting your medication. Smoking and using other tobacco products can also have a negative impact on oral health. Smoking increases the risk of gum disease and oral cancer, and can also stain teeth and cause bad breath. If you are a smoker, quitting is one of the best things you can do for your oral health and overall health [2].

In addition to these factors, there are several dental problems that are more common in older adults. These include:

Root decay: As we age, our gums can recede, exposing the roots of our teeth to bacteria and decay.

Tooth loss: Older adults are more likely to have missing teeth due to gum disease, tooth decay, and other dental problems.

Dry mouth: As mentioned earlier, many medications can cause dry mouth, which can increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

Oral cancer: The risk of oral cancer increases with age, so it is important to have regular oral cancer screenings as part of your dental check-ups. To prevent these dental problems, it is important to have regular dental check-ups and to address any dental problems or concerns as soon as possible. Your dentist can provide personalized recommendations for maintaining good oral health based on your individual needs and concerns [3].

In addition to these recommendations, there are also several oral health products and devices that can be helpful for older adults. These include:

Electric toothbrushes: These can be easier to use for people with arthritis or other conditions that affect hand dexterity.

Water flossers: These use a stream of water to clean between teeth and can be helpful for people with gum disease or other dental problems.

Denture adhesives: These can help to keep dentures in place and prevent them from rubbing against the gums.

Oral moisturizers: These can help to relieve dry mouth and prevent tooth decay and gum disease. In conclusion, maintaining good oral health is important for people of all ages, but it becomes especially important as we age. By practicing good oral hygiene habits, making healthy lifestyle choices, and addressing any dental problems or concerns early on, As we age, it's important to take extra care of our teeth and gums to prevent dental problems and maintain good oral health. The aging process can affect our oral health in various ways, including changes to the composition of our saliva, the structure of our teeth, and our susceptibility to dental problems [4].

One of the most common dental problems that older adults face is tooth decay. This is because our teeth become more susceptible to decay as we age, due to changes in the composition of our saliva and the structure of our teeth. In addition, older adults are more likely to have gum disease, which can lead to tooth loss and other dental problems. To prevent tooth decay and gum disease, it's essential to practice good oral hygiene habits. This includes brushing your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing at least once a day, and using an antiseptic mouthwash to kill bacteria and freshen breath. Regular dental check-ups are also crucial for identifying and treating any dental problems early on. Apart from maintaining good oral hygiene habits, there are several lifestyle factors that can affect our oral health as we age. A diet that is high in sugar and processed foods can increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Consuming a balanced diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help to keep our teeth and gums healthy [5].

Discussion

Medication is another important factor to consider. Many older adults take medications that can cause dry mouth, which can increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. If you're experiencing dry mouth, talk to your healthcare provider about possible solutions, such as drinking more water, using artificial saliva, or adjusting your medication. Smoking and using other tobacco products can also have a negative impact on oral health. Smoking increases the risk of gum disease and oral cancer, and can also stain teeth and cause bad breath. Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your oral health and overall health [6].

In addition to these factors, there are several dental problems that are more common in older adults. These include root decay, tooth loss, dry mouth, and oral cancer. To prevent these dental problems, it's important to have regular dental check-ups and to address any dental problems or concerns as soon as possible. Your dentist can provide personalized recommendations for maintaining good oral health based on your individual needs and concerns. In addition to these recommendations, there are also several oral health products and devices that can be helpful for older adults. These include electric toothbrushes, water flossers, denture adhesives, and oral moisturizers.

Conclusion

Electric toothbrushes can be easier to use for people with arthritis or other conditions that affect hand dexterity. Water flossers use a stream of water to clean between teeth and can be helpful for people with gum disease or other dental problems. Denture adhesives can help to keep dentures in place and prevent them from rubbing against the gums. Oral moisturizers can help to relieve dry mouth and prevent tooth decay and gum disease. In summary, maintaining good oral health is important for people of all ages, but it becomes especially important as we age. By practicing good oral hygiene habits, making healthy lifestyle choices, and addressing any dental problems or concerns early on, we can prevent dental problems and maintain good oral health throughout our lives. It's important to consult with your dentist regularly to ensure that you're taking the necessary steps to keep your teeth and gums healthy as you age.

Acknowledgement

None.

Conflict of Interest

None.

References

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