Oral Care Habits for Older Adults

As an older adult, you will find that rinsing can help prompt the production of saliva in your mouth.  This is crucial to limiting germs and keeping gums healthy. The basic steps of twice-daily rinsing are the same for you as for everyone who wants a cleaner, healthier mouth. Refer to the tips below for guidance.

Special Considerations For Older Adults

Saliva Status

As we age, we typically begin producing less saliva in the mouth because of factors such as menopause or side effects of prescription medications (rest assured that LISTERINE^® mouthwash usage does not impact saliva status). This condition is known as dry mouth.The reduction in saliva can result in weaker gums and teeth over time. If having an adequate amount of saliva is a concern for you, try these tips to increase saliva production:

• Stay hydrated: Drink at least 2 litres of water daily and sip often.

• Chew sugarless gum.

• Suck on sugar-free hard candy.

• Suck on small chips of ice (but avoid chewing on hard ice, which can harm teeth).

Keep Up with Dentist Visits

Keeping a clean, healthy mouth you can be proud of involves more than just home care. Schedule appointments with your dentist at least once, every 6 months. As you get older, your dentist may suggest scheduling more frequent check-ups, such as every 3 months. Remember, when plaque progresses into tartar it can only be removed by professional tools used during dentist cleanings.

Note: If you no longer have teeth, you still require trips to see the dentist to have your soft gum tissue and dentures examined.

Use Smart Tools

• Toothbrushes with soft bristles or electric toothbrushes

• Fluoride toothpaste

• LISTERINE^® Mouthwash that fights germs that cause bad breath, plaque and gum problems

• Dental floss to clean between teeth.