Tips to maintain your pearly whites in your 60s

Our teeth add a sparkle to our radiant smile. Our teeth are the hardest material in our bodies. It aids in the crushing, biting, and grinding of food, the formation of our facial bone structure, and the processing of speech.

According to research, tooth loss could be used as an early indicator of mental and physical decline in older people, particularly those aged 60 to 74. As a result, it is critical that we assist our elders in taking care of their pearly whites and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

The following are the most common dental issues associated with aging and other factors:

●     Tooth decay

Tooth decay is the most commonly encountered problem among elderly people. Tooth decay is defined as damage to the surface or enamel of a tooth. If untreated, tooth decay can lead to pain, infection, and even loss of teeth.

●     Gum recession

Gum recession is the wearing away of gums as we age. This occurs when the gum recedes or draws away from the teeth, exposing the deep teeth and causing toothache and, in some cases, bleeding gums.

●     Darkened teeth

The most common cause of tooth discoloration is enamel erosion. The enamel layer of our teeth gradually erodes as we age, exposing the dentine of our teeth and resulting in black-looking teeth. Any injury to the tooth can also result in tooth darkening.

●     Periodontal disease

An infection that damages the gum tissue and bone or bone structure surrounding the teeth is known as gum disease. It raises the risk of heart and lung disease.

●     Dry mouth

It is caused by a decrease in saliva flow. It is common as a result of medication side effects. It can also cause dry, chapped lips and a swollen tongue, making speaking and swallowing difficult.

●     Reduced sense of taste

Poor oral hygiene can lead to the loss of taste, a foul taste, and bad breath.

Vitamin D and dental health

Research has found that vitamin D deficiencies increase the likelihood of dental decay and other dental issues.

Vitamin D serves several important functions. The most important is possibly controlling calcium and phosphorus absorption and aiding the normal ability of the immune system. This can be avoided by taking enough vitamin D supplements. It is recommended that older adults consume between 15mcg and 20mcg of vitamin D per day.

Vitamin D supplements

●  Sunlight: Since the sun is indeed one of the best sources of this nutrient, vitamin D is often termed as "the sunshine vitamin".  Vitamin D from the sun may circulate twice as much time as vitamin D from diet or supplements.

● Seafood: Fatty fish and seafood are among the highest natural vitamin D sources. Many types of seafood, including oysters, shrimp, and sardines, are high in omega-3 fatty acids.

●  Mushrooms: The only vegan source of vitamin D is mushrooms.

●  Egg: Free-range and certified organic eggs are high in vitamin D, as chickens exposed to natural light produce more vitamin D in their eggs than those kept indoors.

●  Fortified foods: These include vitamin D-fortified foods like cow's milk, plant-based milk, orange juice, and so on.

Preventive measures to maintain dental health and oral hygiene

A life span of care is required to achieve healthy teeth. Having a healthy mouth, teeth, and gums also could benefit your overall health. Teeth may wear out as a result of ageing and the passage of time, but we can avoid the aforementioned issues by following simple dental prevention tips.

●   Brushing and flossing natural teeth on a daily basis is essential for maintaining good oral hygiene.

●     Reduce the consumption of sugary and acidic food products.

●     Consume plenty of fiber-rich fresh fruits and vegetables.

●     Once or twice a day, use an antimicrobial mouthwash.

●     Perform routine cleanings and oral exams with your dentist.

It is critical to maintaining good oral hygiene and dental health because it plays a very important role in an individual's overall health, both directly and indirectly.

Athulya Home Healthcare provides a wide range of health services to the geriatric community through its home healthcare services in Chennai, ranging from nursing care at home, doctor visits, and caretakers to specialized services such as Ophthalmologic services and dental care at home. Contact Athulya Home Healthcare to receive high-quality dental care provided right to your doorstep.