Dental health care for seniors

Preventing gum disease, which can cause swelling, irritation and bleeding of the gums, starts with keeping your teeth clean. Using a soft-bristled brush, gently brush your teeth, gums and tongue for 2 minutes, 2 times a day.

Brushing cleans the surface of your teeth. It’s also important to clean between your teeth once a day with dental floss or a water flosser to remove bacteria that can turn into plaque.

Most sources of tap water contain fluoride, which helps prevent tooth decay. Drinking water also helps avoid or relieve dry mouth, another cause of tooth decay.

Lean proteins and dairy products help strengthen teeth. Nuts provide protein and minerals, and fresh fruits and vegetables help increase saliva and clean your teeth while chewing. For more information, check out these foods that are good for your teeth.

Regular checkups and cleanings are important at any age. They help your dentist monitor your oral health and spot problems before they start. If you’re on medication, or plan to start new medication, be sure to tell your dentist at your next visit.

If you have dentures or a removable dental bridge, they need to be brushed and cared for just like regular teeth. For more information on denture care, check out these tips for dealing with dentures.

If you’re looking for dental insurance, Humana can help. We offer a broad range of dental plans with varying levels of coverage, many with affordable monthly premiums. Some of our plans also feature no waiting periods, which means you could get covered in about 5 days. To see plans and prices in your area, check out our Humana dental insurance page.