Oral Health Care for Seniors – 5 Tips for a Healthy Mouth

Elderly Dental Care Tips for Seniors in Los Angeles County

Maintaining proper oral hygiene is important at any age, but it becomes especially critical for seniors. Poor oral health in older adults is linked to serious health conditions such as heart disease, pneumonia, and diabetes. Seniors who neglect oral care may also experience uncomfortable conditions like gum disease, dry mouth, root decay, uneven jawbone, and denture-related irritation.

To help prevent these issues, Los Angeles County dentist Dr. Wade Banner, who has extensive experience caring for seniors—including those living in nursing homes or homebound with 24-hour caregivers—recommends the following elderly dental care tips.

1. Practice Good Daily Oral Hygiene

• Brush your teeth twice a day. If hand or finger joints make brushing painful, consider using an electric toothbrush for easier use.
• Clean between your teeth once a day using floss or an alternative such as a WaterPik.
• Rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash at least once daily to reduce bacteria and protect gums.

2. Care for Dentures Properly

• Clean full or partial dentures daily.
• Remove dentures for at least four hours per day, ideally at night, to give your gums a break and prevent irritation.

3. Drink Fluoridated Tap Water

• Tap water contains fluoride, which helps prevent tooth decay and strengthens enamel—especially important for seniors.
• Avoid relying solely on bottled water, which typically lacks fluoride.

4. Quit Smoking

• Smoking increases the risk of gum disease, tooth decay, and tooth loss, in addition to its well-known effects on cardiovascular and respiratory health.
• Dr. Banner encourages seniors to quit or reduce smoking to protect both oral and overall health.

5. Schedule Regular Dental Visits

• Bi-annual dental cleanings and checkups are essential to maintain oral health.
• For seniors who are homebound, live in a nursing facility, or have medical conditions that make travel difficult, mobile dental services like those provided by In Motion Dentists make it possible to receive professional care in the comfort of home.

Contact In Motion Dentists for Mobile Elderly Dental Care

It’s never too late to improve oral health. Even if daily care hasn’t always been perfect, seniors can still receive dignified, thorough dental care.

If you’re caring for an elderly loved one and have questions about proper oral hygiene, or if you need an in-home dental cleaning or emergency appointment, Dr. Banner and his team are here to help.

Call us today at (626) 594-0374 to learn more about our mobile dentistry services for seniors in Los Angeles County.