Tips to Maintain Your Dental Health from a Marco Island Dentist

Great advances have been made in recent years that are helping more seniors keep their natural teeth longer. Things like improved toothpastes, toothbrushes, and flossing tools all contribute to the increased lifespan of your teeth. While these dental innovations provide us with improvements in at-home care, it is imperative to schedule regular dental visits.

Poor Dental Health can Damage the Heart

There is mounting evidence that poor dental health may contribute to poor overall health.  Inflammation of the gums caused by lingering bacteria can spread infection to other parts of your body.  Some of this bacteria may travel to the heart and can cause heart disease, or inflame blood vessels leading to a stroke. It is, therefore, very important to maintain a clean mouth through regular brushing, flossing, rinsing with mouthwash, and regular cleanings completed by a dental professional.

Essential Oral Hygiene Habits

It is very important that you maintain your dental cleaning habits throughout your senior years.  You should brush your teeth at least twice a day, with a soft bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.  Many seniors use a manual toothbrush while others prefer the effectiveness of an electric toothbrush.

Brushing and flossing are essential for optimal oral health. A toothbrush can clean the surface of your teeth and gums, while floss can clean between teeth where bacteria is most likely to accumulate. Daily use of regular floss, flossers or water flossers can flush out food matter and other bacteria-causing contaminants. Almost 20 percent of the U.S. population never flosses, raising the risk of gum disease, tooth loss and tartar buildup.

Dental Habits for Seniors with Missing Teeth

Oral health should be an even greater concern for seniors who experience tooth loss. Missing teeth can raise the risk of obesity, diabetes, coronary artery disease, and some types of cancer. Dental professionals at can offer a number of solutions including dentures, dental implants and mini dental implants that can help ward off some of these risks.

Visit the Dentist Regularly

Finally, it is essential to make regular visits to your dentist.  Only a dentist can provide a comprehensive examination that will identify dental health issues like cavities or gum disease, and provide a treatment program.  Dentists also offer cleaning services that reach spots that your toothbrush and floss may miss.

You should visit your dentist at least twice a year; it is important to schedule biannual visits to evaluate your oral health. During your visits, it is important to inform your dentist about medical conditions you may have and any medications you are taking.

To discuss these and other dental issues, please contact Island Tower Dentistry to schedule a consultation with Dr. Hermann Schulze or Dr. Josephine Perez.