Age is just a number, until it comes to your teeth, that is! Older adults have more difficulty in maintaining a healthy smile as they age. The CDC announced that by 2060, 24 percent of the population will be aged 65 or older, and with it will come more tooth problems.

Partly due to faulty healthcare systems and partly due to aging, seniors are more at risk for tooth decay, cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss. Does that mean that you’re doomed to get fitted for dentures when you get older though? Not necessarily. If you start now with the following tips, you can help keep your teeth as healthy as possible!

Keep sweet and starchy foods and drinks to a minimum

No matter your age, these types of foods are terrible for teeth. They should never compose a significant part of your diet. Sugar erodes your teeth while starchy foods create plaque by clinging to your teeth.

Go beyond brushing and floss too

Brushing twice a day is the right thing to do. Flossing once daily is recommended too to keep plaque, decay, and gum disease away.

No more smoking

Smoking does so much damage to your health, including in your mouth. It can speed up damage to your teeth and gums, plus it lowers your immunity and the amount of oxygen in your blood. Smokers are already more prone to gum disease. Pair this with the aging process and you will have more oral hygiene issues with every trip around the sun.

Eat for a healthy gut

As more and more research reveals that the stomach is essentially a second brain, keeping your gut health in check is also important as you age. Doing so helps keep your mouth healthy. In addition to eating healthy foods, add in fermented foods like kimchi or yogurt. And always eat plenty of fresh foods with the vitamins you need for better immunity. In particular, most people are lacking in vitamin D. Make sure you’re getting enough of it.

Maintain your existing dental work

If you’ve had dental work done in the past from fillings to crowns to implants, be vigilant with the care of them as instructed by your dentist. For those with dentures, it’s important to clean them properly. Should they feel uncomfortable or cause you to have bad breath, make sure you discuss it with your dentist to adjust it accordingly.

Always keep your dental appointments

Visiting your dentist for regularly scheduled appointments is the key to nipping any potential problems in the bud. Delayed treatment can result in permanent damage. Even if all seemed well on your last visit, those cleanings are essential as you age to get deep in the mouth and where you might be missing with your toothbrush.

By working to protect your teeth now, you’ll really have something to smile about when you’re older!

Looking for a 100% all-natural liquid tooth oil and mouth rinse? Check out OraMD Original Strength and OraMD Extra Strength. Subscribe to our Trusted Health Club newsletter for more information about natural living tips, natural health, oral health and skincare. If you are looking for more health resources check out the Trusted Health Resources list. 

Written By:

Jennifer Raskin is a freelance writer, wife and mom that loves cold weather despite her location in Florida, cooking, reading, watching ‘80s movies, weight-lifting, and wine tasting.

Reviewed By:

Founder Ray Spotts has a passion for all things natural and has made a life study of nature as it relates to health and well-being. Ray became a forerunner bringing products to market that are extraordinarily effective and free from potentially harmful chemicals and additives. For this reason Ray formed Trusted Health Products, a company you can trust for clean, effective, and healthy products. Ray is an organic gardener, likes fishing, hiking, and teaching and mentoring people to start new businesses. You can get his book for free, “How To Succeed In Business Based On God’s Word,” at www.rayspotts.com.