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Dental Implants: A Guide for Seniors

If you are a senior considering dental implants, you may have to worry about issues other dental patients don't have to think about. For example, you may need more time to recover after receiving your implants. My name is Jodi, and I've been working with seniors for years. I decided to create this blog to help the seniors I can't meet in person. In this space, I'm going to post entries on everything related to dental implants and seniors. From tips on flossing implants after arthritis has claimed some of your dexterity, to guiding you through the implants-vs-dentures debate, this blog is designed for you. Thanks for reading. I hope you find what you need!

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Dental Implants: A Guide for Seniors

Basic Brushing for Those Who Don't

by Jimmy Carter

To avoid any unnecessary trips to the dentist because of a severe toothache, you need to look after your teeth on a daily basis. Over 30% of Australians avoid visiting the dentist on a regular basis, and so maintaining good daily oral hygiene is essential. Following these tips give you a whiter smile and fresher breath, and it'll help to kill off harmful bacteria that can build up and cause discolouration and painful issues like gum disease. 

Brushing Daily

Brushing your teeth is the most effective way of cleaning the inside of your mouth. This should be done twice a day in the morning and in the evening for approximately two minutes. This is to kill bacteria, which grows naturally which can cover your teeth in a slimy film called plaque. Plaque builds up all the time, but by brushing in the morning and evening you reduce its ability to become calcified. This is where plaque begins to harden into tartar, an unsightly hard yellow substance that can form on the teeth and is difficult to remove. Tartar won't cause immediate issues, however if left long enough to build up in large quantities it can lead to gum disease and other diseases like Gingivitis. Brushing in front of and behind all of your teeth, as well as along the gum line will help to kill bacteria and prevent this from occurring, however avoid washing your mouth out with water afterwards, as the toothpaste will continue to work. You should also scrape your tongue by drawing your brush across it from back to front, rinsing after each stroke. Bacteria here are often forgotten and are a major cause of bad breath. 

Supplement with a Wash and Floss

Flossing and mouthwash make for excellent supplements. According to National Smile Month research suggests that less than 25% of adults floss on a regular basis and only a third use mouthwash, despite enabling you to reach areas that your brush might miss, such as in-between the teeth and behind the molars. You can incorporate them into your twice-daily brushing routine, or even just use them on their own after your lunch at work. Go Ask Alice suggests looking for a mouthwash that has anti-bacterial properties and slightly higher alcohol content if you're looking to combat gingivitis, bad breath and plaque, as these can reduce bacteria by up to 75%. You can also buy small portable bottles and packets of floss that will sit easily in your bag or at your desk at work for ease of use.

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