{"id":1847,"date":"2026-09-28T08:46:41","date_gmt":"2026-09-28T12:46:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.islandcoastdentistry.com\/blog\/?p=1847"},"modified":"2026-09-28T08:46:42","modified_gmt":"2026-09-28T12:46:42","slug":"6-oral-hygiene-tips-for-seniors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.islandcoastdentistry.com\/blog\/6-oral-hygiene-tips-for-seniors\/","title":{"rendered":"6 Oral Hygiene Tips for Seniors"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\"A<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

As you get older, many things about your appearance, health, and even your daily routine naturally change. From gray hair to slower metabolism and an increased risk of things like gum disease and permanent tooth loss, adapting your oral hygiene routine to these changes is often necessary. Here\u2019s a closer look at a few ways you can protect your smile in your golden years, so your teeth and gums stay healthy and strong for as long as possible!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Take a Calcium Supplement<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Calcium is an important building block for your teeth and bones at any age. However, taking a supplement can be extremely helpful for seniors, as it can reduce your risk of osteoporosis. By helping promote strong, healthy bones, you can maintain a more powerful jaw and improve your bone density, so you\u2019ll be less likely to lose teeth or suffer from deterioration if you do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep it Clean<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Even if you\u2019re missing natural teeth, it is important to brush twice a day and floss daily. This not only lowers your risk of cavities and gum disease, but it will prevent further tooth loss. If you wear prosthetics like dentures or partials, or if you have dental bridges or implants, it is still imperative that you keep them clean to avoid increasing these oral health problems and even preventing dental implant failure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Replace Missing Teeth<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As you age, your risk of permanent tooth loss increases. Unfortunately, many people don\u2019t see the need to replace every lost tooth \u2013 especially if they\u2019re located out of sight. However, the danger in doing this is that when you lose an adult tooth, your jawbone will begin deteriorating very quickly, causing a domino effect on your smile that could lead to gum disease, tooth drift, and even more tooth and bone loss. Thus, even if it\u2019s not a tooth that\u2019s visible when you open your mouth, it is important to replace it as soon as possible with a dental implant, denture, or dental bridge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Break Bad Habits<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ve probably already been told that smoking and vaping are bad for your oral and overall health, but just in case you need to hear it again, these habits can cause a variety of dangerous problems ranging from gum disease and tooth loss to cancer and heart disease. Thus, no matter how you choose to use tobacco, quitting is an important way to protect your oral and overall health, even in your senior years!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maintain Your Equipment<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Nobody wants to deal with dirty dentures, but if you don\u2019t take care of them, you could be putting your oral health at risk by increasing your odds of developing things like mouth sores, gum disease, and oral thrush. Thus, to keep your false teeth looking, feeling, and smelling their best, be sure to brush them after each meal and keep them fully submerged in either water or denture soak overnight or any time you won\u2019t be wearing them, as allowing them to dry out can cause them to lose their shape or warp or crack and become permanently damaged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Visit Your Dentist<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Finally, although it is important to visit your dentist<\/a> every six months no matter what your age, it is still essential as a senior. In fact, even if you have no remaining real teeth, your dentist can help keep an eye out for dangerous oral health conditions like gum disease, mouth sores, and oral cancer, which can be fatal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember, while you may be tempted to take a step back from maintaining your oral hygiene as you age, the truth is that keeping your teeth healthy and strong as a senior is extremely important. That\u2019s because not only will it keep your teeth and gums looking and feeling their best, but it can also help prevent a variety of dangerous oral and overall health conditions that could seriously affect your quality of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

About Dr. Skupny<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Dr. Jeffrey Skupny<\/a> earned his bachelor’s degree from Florida State University and his dental degree from the University of Florida College of Dentistry. He is a proud, active member of the Academy of General Dentistry, the International Team for Implantology, and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, and regularly takes continuing education courses through Spear Education, the Dawson Academy, and the Misch International Implant Institute. To schedule an appointment at Island Coast Dentistry, visit our website<\/a> or call 239-261-5566.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

As you get older, many things about your appearance, health, and even your daily routine naturally change. From gray hair to slower metabolism and an increased risk of things like gum disease and permanent tooth loss, adapting your oral hygiene routine to these changes is often necessary. 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