Aging doesn’t necessarily mean that we will start to lose our teeth, our permanent teeth are meant to last a lifetime. The ways in which we take care of our teeth, however, may need to be modified as we age and as our vulnerabilities change. Dry mouth, for instance, is more prevalent among the senior population. This may be due to an increase in the need for certain medications but the fact is that a lack of the flow of our saliva will mean that more bacteria will be left behind to increase your risk for oral disease.
The best thing that you can do to control the symptoms of dry mouth is to stay hydrated. Keep a glass of water by your bedside and take plenty of water bottles along when you travel. Caffeine encourages the dryness, limit your daily intake. On the other hand, sucking on sugar-free hard candies or chewing sugar-free gum will help to stimulate the production of the salivary glands.
There are over the counter products that are made specifically for the treatment of dry mouth. Your dentist or hygienist can make recommendations as to some that might work best for you. If you regularly use a mouthwash as part of your home dental care routine choose one that is alcohol-free.
Get more tips on age-related dental issues during your next visit with the professionals of Solar Dental Specialities. Call 720-739-1630 to arrange for your appointment.