I turned sixty-five last month, and for the first time, I really started noticing that my gums were pulling back. My dentist calls it the ‘natural progression’ of aging, but I wasn’t ready to just accept it. Over the last ninety days, I have completely overhauled how I treat my mouth. Instead of scrubbing like I’m cleaning a grout line, I’ve switched to the ‘modified Bass technique’ with an ultra-soft brush. I also stopped using those harsh, alcohol-based mouthwashes that make your mouth feel like a desert.
The biggest change, however, was focusing on the chemistry of my mouth rather than just the mechanics. I started paying attention to the pH of what I drink and making sure I’m not constantly bathing my teeth in acid. I’ve noticed that my sensitivity to cold drinks has decreased significantly, and the slight redness along my gum line has finally faded to a healthy pink. It feels like I’ve finally stopped the bleeding, literally and figuratively.
I’m curious to hear from others in our age bracket who have dealt with this. Have you found any specific tools or rinses that helped soothe irritated gums? Do you think the ‘natural’ aging process of the mouth can actually be slowed down with the right routine, or are we just fighting the inevitable? I’d love to hear about any small victories you’ve had with your oral health recently!