As we grow older. Oral healthcare has become more and more important.
You only get one set of permanent teeth in your lifetime, so you need to take proper care of them. This includes brushing, flossing, and using a good mouthwash.
Mouthwash, designed for seniors, plays a crucial role in oral healthcare. It is an ideal addition to the oral hygiene routine, particularly between meals and snacks. A good mouthwash provides excellent protection, freshens breath, and helps to maintain oral health.
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Some Symptoms of Poor Oral Health in Seniors
Symptoms of Poor Oral Health
Several conditions can worsen when seniors neglect their oral hygiene, including gum disease, tooth decay, sensitive teeth, and dry mouth. These issues can lead to more serious health problems if not addressed promptly.
When adults and seniors neglect to brush, floss, and rinse their teeth with mouthwash, they can experience a range of serious issues, from gum disease to tooth decay. These consequences underscore the importance of regular oral care.
- Gum Disease – Gum disease occurs when the tissue around your teeth becomes infected due to a plaque build-up. Gingivitis is usually the first stage of gum disease, including symptoms such as swollen or bleeding gums. However, with proper treatment, gum disease is reversible.
- Tooth Decay – Tooth and root of tooth decay can occur in older adults. You must clean your gums and teeth to remove all food particles and plaque. Regularly cleaning at your dentist will also help remove plaque and tartar, especially below the gumline.
- Sensitive Teeth -Poor oral health can cause teeth to become more sensitive, which means they will hurt when you eat something cold and sometimes hot. This sensitivity may be caused by brushing your teeth too hard or having worn-out tooth enamel. Using toothpaste for sensitive teeth will help with this issue.
- Dry Mouth – Dry mouth occurs when your mouth cannot produce enough saliva anymore. Any prescription medications can cause this. A dry mouth can also lead to tooth and root decay and thus needs to be treated. A good fluoride mouthwash will usually do the trick.
Taking Good Care of Your Teeth as a Senior
Many seniors have Alzheimer’s and memory loss, so they may forget to brush their teeth regularly. There are also issues such as Parkinson’s in the hands and weakness, which may make it hard for them to hold a toothbrush.
While mouthwash is never a substitute for brushing, it can be a valuable addition to a senior’s oral care routine. Its benefits, including freshening breath and providing additional protection, can help seniors maintain good oral health.
A good fluoride mouthwash is something seniors need in their routine. Fluoride helps to strengthen teeth naturally and protects against cavities. Mouthwash can also help to keep your mouth moist in case of dry mouth.
You get two types of Mouthwashes that can be prescribed to seniors;
This is a Cosmetic Mouthwash and a Therapeutic Mouthwash.
Cosmetic mouthwash is your regular mouthwash used to clean teeth. It provides fluoride and can be bought anywhere.
Therapeutic mouthwashes are usually prescription; however, some may be obtained over the counter. They are targeted at treating issues such as mouth ulcers and also help with plaque, Gingivitis, and bad breath.
Features of a Good Mouthwash for The Elderly
- Seal of Acceptance – Always look for the American Dental Association’s Seal of Acceptance when you choose a mouthwash. This seal ensures that the company’s claims on the Mouthwash package have been proven and tested thoroughly.
- Strong Ingredients/Strong>—Ensure the mouthwash contains fluoride. Ingredients such as Cetylpyridinium chloride kill bacteria and freshen your breath, while essential oils are antibacterial and antifungal. This eliminates bad breath and kills bacteria. Chlorhexidine helps reduce plaque and control gingivitis, while Carbamide or hydrogen peroxide can whiten teeth.
- Safety – Mouthwashes are mostly designed for children over six years of age and adults, so they are relatively safe for seniors. You do get Mouthwash for younger children. It is advised to avoid Mouthwash with alcohol, especially in seniors and persons with sensitive teeth.
Reviews: The Best Mouthwash for the Elderly
In our list, we have some of the best available Mouthwashes ideal for Seniors;
1
- Colgate Total is a favorite Mouthwash for seniors and adults because it offers complete results.
- The Colgate Mouthwash kills germs, fights plaque, and prevents Gingivitis.
- It does not contain ethanol but rather safer alcohol that does not burn your mouth,
- It is also antibacterial and offers 12 hours of protection against germs.
2
- The ACT Mouthwash is a moisturizing mouthwash for seniors who have dry mouths.
- It comes in 18 Fl oz or 3.8 Fl Oz options from which you can choose.
- The ACT mouthwash is gentle and helps to strengthen your teeth.
- It is also very moisturizing and ideally suited for dry mouth conditions.
3
- The CloSys Mouthwash is a soothing and gentle mouthwash for seniors with sensitive teeth.
- It has a lovely mint flavor and is naturally activated and pH-balanced.
- The Mouthwash received, and ADA Seal for reducing bad breath ads do not cover up bad breath.
- It is an alcohol and sulfate-free Mouthwash, as well as triclosan and gluten-free for seniors.
4
- The ACT Total Care is also a great Mouthwash option for seniors.
- This is a zero alcohol and anticavity mouthwash for elderly persons.
- The mouthwash helps to rebuild enamel and strengthen teeth. It also prevents cavities and promotes healthy gums.
- You can choose from different FL Oz options, 18 or 33.8 in packs of one or three, and an Icy Clean Mint or Fresh Mint flavor.
5
- Listerine is a top brand of Mouthwash that is also ideally suited for seniors.
- The Cool Mint antiseptic mouthwash is ideal for bad breath and mouth ulcers or issues.
- It helps to prevent and reduce plaque build-up, as well as prevents Gingivitis.
- The Mouthwash kills germs and bacteria in your mouth and helps to freshen your breath. Dentists recommend it.
6
- From Crest, we have the Pro-health Mouthwash, which is perfect for seniors as a general mouthwash.
- The Mouthwash from Crest is a Multi-protection mouthwash that is completely alcohol-free and quite gentle.
- However, the Pro-health mouthwash helps to fight plaque, Gingivitis, and bad breath and keeps your teeth strong and healthy,
- It comes in a package of three bottles of mouthwash, each one liter.
Index Table: Top Rated Mouthwash for the Elderly
| No. | Product | Image | Features | Brand | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Colgate Total - Elderly’s Mouthwash |  |
| Colgate | 98 |
| 2 | ACT Total care - Mouthwash for the Elderly |  |
| ACT | 97.9 |
| 3 | CloSYS Sensitive - Mouthwash for the Elderly |  |
| CloSYS | 97 |
| 4 | ACT Total Care - Elderly’s Mouthwash |  |
| ACT | 97.7 |
| 5 | Listerine Cool Mint - Mouthwash for the Elderly |  |
| Listerine | 97.4 |
| 6 | Crest Pro-Health - Mouthwash for the Elderly |  |
| Crest | 97.5 |
