Regular brushing and flossing of your teeth and gums as well as visiting your dentist once a year for a complete oral exam will make a difference to your dental health.

While the need for dental care is so important for everyone, seniors in particular may neglect their dental health. Poor dental health can affect a seniors ability to eat, maintain proper nutrition and impact their overall health.

Many health conditions that affect seniors can stem from poor dental health. Tooth decay and gum disease has been linked to other serious conditions such as diabetes, aspiration pneumonia and heart disease. Bacteria from the mouth can enter the blood stream when tooth decay and gum disease are present. This can result in weakened immune systems and more health problems.

Dentures require special attention. If dentures loosen over time, gums can get irritated, become uncomfortable and can affect nutrition.

You can incorporate good dental health practices into your daily routine to help protect teeth and gums against dental disease and to maintain overall good health:

• Brush and floss teeth at least twice a day
• Use toothpaste containing fluoride
• Limit sweets
• Visit your dentist regularly

Improving your smile is as easy as asking your dentist!