Seniors and the elderly need a manual toothbrush with soft bristles, and ergonomic handle, and that is easy to use and hold onto. Here are my recommended toothbrushes for older adults.
Luckily, there are some alternatives to the standard toothbrush that can make brushing easier for the elderly. They are not always as effective as a traditional manual brush, but they are certainly better than not brushing at all. One of the simplest and most effective alternatives for seniors is the finger toothbrush.
In addition to recommending a fluoride toothpaste, dentists frequently recommend that seniors use other fluoride products to keep teeth in good health. Using an oral rinse with fluoride can help to rinse away food particles that weren’t brushed away, and it can also ensure that older teeth have protection from this beneficial mineral.
The majority of maturing adults lose a significant number of their teeth as they age. The elderly can completely or partially lose their teeth with aging. If any of these scenarios describe your situation, you’ll be happy to hear that tooth loss doesn’t need to be permanent as there are replacement options available.
Why is it so common for seniors to go without dental treatment? There are many factors that keep older adults from seeking care, including cost and lack of access. For elderly adults with limited mobility, even getting to the dentist can be difficult. Thankfully, there are some dentists that are willing to come to seniors.
As you age, dental care becomes an important part of your overall health and electric toothbrushes can help you get the job done with a lot less work. Learn more about electric toothbrushes for seniors and the elderly here.
Older adults have unique dental care and oral hygiene needs. These helpful oral hygiene products help seniors and the elderly keep their mouth, teeth, and gums in tip-top shape.
The best electric toothbrushes for people with arthritis should be easy to hold onto and require less much grip pressure to use while (obviously) getting your teeth and gums sparkly clean.
Proper gum care includes brushing your gums, properly maintaining your dentures,, and using therapeutic mouth washes. It is also important you quit smoking and still have regular dental cleanings.
A few examples of healthy foods for people with no teeth include scrambled eggs, cottage cheese, cooked fruits, and some soups. Learn more about nutritious food options for seniors with no teeth in this guide.
Generally, seniors and the elderly should have their teeth cleaned twice per year – every six months – just like the rest of us. Sometimes, however, certain medical conditions may necessitate more frequent cleanings.
Some examples of special toothbrushes for the elderly include electric toothbrushes, U-shaped toothbrushes, finger brushes, oral swabs, and more. Learn more about these options below.