13 Jul Proper Dental Care for Older Women in Prescott
Throughout our lives, most of us are told about the importance of taking care of our teeth and gums. Initially, our parents are the ones who push us to brush our teeth twice a day and floss. As we grow up, our dentists are there to remind us as well, and to provide dental cleanings twice a year. For the most part, we can agree that caring for our teeth is pretty straightforward—that we understand which steps to take to keep our teeth strong and pearly white. But as we age, our dental health needs begin to change, and we may not know how to adjust our dental care routine to make sure we’re doing the best we can for our teeth. This can be especially true for older women. At Prescott Dentistry, we’d like to clear up any confusion on proper dental care for older women in Prescott.
As a dental office in the heart of Prescott that focuses on biomimetic dentistry, we have quite a few mature women who come to us for their dental care. Many have questions about the changes they see in their dental and gum health after menopause. They want to make sure they’re on the right track for maintaining a healthy smile. According to researchers at Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine, post-menopausal women should actually be getting dental cleanings up to 4 times per year. Since older women are more prone to plaque build-up and bone density issues, researchers have found it important for older women to see the dentist more often to make sure their teeth, gums, and jawbone are still strong and healthy (Colgate, 2018).
In addition to more frequent cleanings, older women need to make sure they are eating well. A properly balanced diet low in sugar is the first step in caring for their body and teeth. Next, brushing their teeth a minimum of twice a day is an essential for maintaining health. Tooth brushing should be followed by flossing and a good mouthwash that helps to further rinse away any debris and bacteria. Replacing sugary sodas and juices with glasses of water also decreases the bacterial plaque. Also, drinking water is good for you in many other ways. At Prescott Dentistry, we want to see your teeth sparkle into your golden years. We care about that smile, about your dental health, and about your overall physical health. If you have questions about proper dental care for older women in Prescott, feel free to contact our offices. Here’s to a healthy, vibrant you, a health that lasts through your later years!
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (6/16/2018) Claire (Flickr)