17 Jul How to Choose the Right Toothpaste: A Guide for Seniors
Toothpaste is something we all use as part of our daily self-care routine. We get into the habit of buying the same brand time and time again. But the truth is, our dental hygiene habits often need to change as we get older. If you’re approaching your senior years, it’s important to reevaluate your oral care routine.
How Aging Affects Your Dental Health
Certain medications can cause dry mouth.
Medications such as antihistamines, antidepressants, and those for asthma or high blood pressure, can cause dry mouth. Reduced saliva flow can impact enamel health because saliva helps neutralize acids and move harmful bacteria away from your teeth.
Tooth enamel grows thinner.
As we age, our enamel gradually gets eroded away by years of use. To minimize enamel wear, seniors should avoid eating and drinking acidic and sugary foods and beverages. Another way to help protect enamel is to use a gentle toothbrush and a toothpaste with fluoride in the formula.
Gum disease is more common.
As people age, they often develop receding gums, a condition where inflammation causes the gum tissue to pull away from the teeth, exposing their roots. Receding gums are one of the first signs of gum disease. Chronic inflammation, irregular oral care habits, and smoking can all make gum recession worse. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss, so it’s important to seek treatment.
Bone loss may cause tooth loss.
While osteoporosis does not cause teeth to break, it does make them more likely to become loose and fall out. If your jaw loses its bone density, it may become too weak to hold your teeth in place. This could compromise dental implants or prevent dentures from fitting properly.
What Is the Best Toothpaste for Seniors?
The older you are, the more important it is to protect your teeth and gums. Daily brushing is still essential, but you might need to change the type of toothpaste you use. Here are some tips for choosing the right kind of toothpaste.
- Avoid abrasive or whitening toothpastes, as they could erode your tooth enamel and harm tooth surfaces with exposed dentin. They also irritate your gums. (Tip: the higher the RDA score is, the more abrasive the formula is.)
- Avoid ingredients like charcoal and sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) that can be unnecessarily abrasive.
- Choose a gentle or sensitive formula, especially if you have receding gums.
- Choose a toothpaste with fluoride! It will help remineralize your teeth and keep your enamel strong.
- Look for beneficial ingredients like xylitol, which kills bad mouth bacteria and reduces plaque formation.
- Avoid toothpastes that have sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and other cytotoxic components, as seniors are often more sensitive to these ingredients.
Senior-Focused Care at Sun Lakes Dentistry
Because the health problems associated with aging can have a big impact on your teeth, it’s vital to keep up with regular visits to your dentist. Dr. Saba & Associates in Sun Lakes, Arizona will work with you to determine the best way to keep your mouth healthy.
Let us know if you have any medical conditions that put your mouth at risk, such as osteoporosis, diabetes, or arthritis. And if you ever need a tooth replaced, a cavity filled, regular cleanings, or treatment for gum disease, we can help. Call us at 480-895-2111 today to schedule an appointment.
Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash on 6.26.2024 | used under the creative commons license for commercial use.