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Celebrating National Nutrition Month
March is National Nutrition Month. We are celebrating our Senior Nutrition Program, a program that addresses problems of food insecurity and promotes socialization and the well-being of older adults in northeast Indiana through nutrition services.
The focus this year is on oral health. Oral health has a substantial impact on your overall health, and it is heavily influenced by your diet.
More than 80% of adults have at least one cavity by age 34. Oral problems also increase with age due to problems with saliva production, receding gums and more.
Despite the changes that come with age, you can fight poor oral health with a thorough oral health regimen. Let’s explore some of the steps you can take to improve your oral health.
How to Improve Your Oral Health
Eat a Healthy Diet
We would be remiss if we didn’t talk about eating a healthy diet during National Nutrition Month. And it’s true, eating a healthy diet can significantly improve your oral health.
Avoid added sugar. Foods and drinks with an excess of added sugar put you at higher risk of cavities. Practice moderation when consuming soda, desserts and juices.
Limit coffee intake. Easier said than done, but coffee contains acid that can wear down tooth enamel. If you have trouble limiting your coffee intake, try drinking it through a straw so your teeth have less exposure.
Eat teeth whitening foods. Crunchy foods such as apples, carrots, celery and cucumbers help scrub the surface of your teeth. They also help prevent cavities by keeping the gums stimulated.
Eating healthy, nutritious foods is not only good for your oral health, but your overall health too. Be more intentional with your diet and you will reap the benefits.
Brushing Your Teeth
Perhaps the single most important thing you can do to better your oral health, but it requires intention to be effective.
Here are some tips to improve the effectiveness of brushing your teeth:
Brush your teeth twice a day, no more no less. Brushing your teeth too often can damage your gums and the enamel on your teeth.
Use fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride protects teeth from decay by strengthening enamel.
Use a soft-bristled brush. Hard or brittle brushes can damage enamel.
Start from the back when you brush your teeth. This ensures that you are brushing generally harder to reach teeth, such as the molars.
Angle your toothbrush towards your gumline so that you are cleaning between teeth.
Don’t forget to brush your tongue, it can hold bacteria for a long time when not properly cleaned.
Changing your brushing habit can be tricky if you have done the same thing for a long time. But making these small changes will work wonders for your oral health.
Routinely Protect Your Teeth
Brushing your teeth isn’t the only thing you can do to protect your teeth.
Here are a few steps you can add to your routine to further improve your oral health:
Floss once per day. You might be sick of your dentist telling you to floss, but it is important! You can’t reach between your teeth by brushing alone. Make sure you are gentle with the floss so you don’t hurt your gums.
Use antibacterial mouthwash every day. Like floss, mouthwash is able to clean crevices and the soft tissue of your mouth that you may not usually brush.
Visit your dentist at least once a year. Trips to the dentist should not be reserved for when something is wrong. Regular visits keep your teeth clean and can help catch potential problems before they become serious. If you need help finding a dentist, Just Call Us for a referral!
Clean your toothbrush holder. Did you know this is the place in the household with the third most bacteria? Make sure you wash it with soap and water regularly to keep your toothbrush clean.
Quit Smoking
Smoking has countless negative effects on your overall health, and oral health is no exception.
Smoking causes gum disease and oral cancer. Adults over the age of 60 are at an increased risk of developing oral cancer.
Smoking discolors your teeth. The nicotine and tar present in cigarettes can stain the enamel of your teeth, making them appear brown or yellow.
Smoking causes bad breath. It is easy to tell if someone is a smoker from the smell.
If you need help quitting smoking, there may be resources available to help. Just Call Us if you live in northeast Indiana and need help quitting.
Additional Tips for Older Adults
Generally, the best practices for improving oral health are the same for everyone. However, older adults face a few unique challenges.
Clean your dentures daily. Wearing dentures can put you at risk of fungal infection. Make sure you take your dentures out every night and clean them before bed.
If you have trouble brushing or flossing because of dexterity issues, try using an interproximal brush or dental pick instead. You can also ask your caregiver for help.
Talk to your dentist about prescriptions and techniques that can help you maintain your oral health.
Oral Health Leads to Good Overall Health
Good oral hygiene comes with many benefits, not least of which is better overall health.
The mouth is the entry point for the digestive and respiratory tracts. The more you care for your mouth, the fewer harmful bacteria can make their way into the rest of your body.
Other benefits of good oral hygiene include:
Lowered risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, gum disease and oral cancer
Fresher breath
A beautiful smile
Fewer visits to the dentist for restorative care
Take a few extra minutes each morning to be more intentional in your oral hygiene routine. Eating a healthier diet is also a sure way to improve not only your oral health, but your overall health as well.
The AIHS Senior Nutrition Program
Aging & In-Home Services offers a nutrition program to individuals aged 60 and over. Through funding from the Older Americans Act, AIHS provides the following services:
Meals on Wheels: Clients receive 3, 5 or 7 frozen meals delivered to their homes once a week. This program is available in our nine-county service area. Diabetic-friendly meals are available.
Congregate Dining: Members of the community can visit a designated location and enjoy a warm meal in the company of their peers. This program aims to address food insecurity and senior isolation.
Restaurant Vouchers: Participants are given vouchers that can be exchanged for a meal from a pre-approved menu at participating restaurants.
If you are interested in learning more about the Senior Nutrition Program, Just Call Us! We would be happy to assist in determining your eligibility.
