Demographics of Aging US Population
As oral health plays a big role in overall health, choosing the best mouthwash for older adults is very important. The population of the United States, like that of many other countries, is experiencing demographic trends. These are contributing to an increase in the number of older population. A person aged 65 or older is frequently referred to as elderly or older population. This trend is being driven mostly by the aging baby boomer generation. The population those born between 1946 and 1964, who are now approaching retirement age.
Challenges with Aging Population
This aging population has significant societal repercussions, including healthcare, social services, retirement planning, and labor force dynamics. According to the Administration on Aging (AoA), the population of people 65 and older climbed from 40.5 million in 2010 to 55.7 million in 2020 (38% growth). It is expected to reach 94.7 million by 2060. By 2040, there will be approximately 80.8 million older people, which is more than double the number in 2000. One in every five Americans is expected to be 65 or older by 2030.
By 2035, there will be more individuals in the United States over the age of 65 than children under the age of 18. Maine, Florida, West Virginia, and Vermont had the greatest percentage of people aged 65 and up in 2020. In the United States, elderly population frequently confront a variety of opportunities and challenges. Healthcare and medical costs, retirement income and savings, long-term care alternatives, and social isolation are some of the major worries among seniors.
Oral Health Challenges in Aging Population
According to data from CDC, the top five major health problems for the aged population are arthritis, cardiovascular disease, cancer, respiratory disease, and Alzheimer’s disease. Other health issues observed and affecting the senior population include osteoporosis, diabetes, fall risk, obesity, substance abuse, depression, shingles, and oral health problems.
The mouth acts as a window to a lot of systemic diseases. It serves as a port of entry of the various infections. It can alter and affect the immune status of the person. There is a strong connection between oral health and systemic diseases. Diseases like cardiovascular system, endocrine system, reproductive system, and respiratory system etc. makes oral health a complex interconnected system.
Common Oral Health Problems with Aging Population
The common oral health problems associated with aging population and the respective causes are listed below:
- Tooth decay: It is most commonly associated with poor oral hygiene due to aging and acidic environment in the mouth.
- Dry Mouth: Associated with reduced salivary gland functions as a result of aging, as well as with the use of alcohol based mouthwash.
- Bad Breath: Caused by decreased salivary production, oral flora alterations, and lack of regular oral care due to aging.
- Dental Caries: Enamel loss due to age is associated with dental caries.
- Gum Infection: Caused by poor dental hygiene and lack of oral care as a result of aging.
- Sensitivity: Exposure of dentin with enamel surface erosion due to aging.
- Periodontal Disease: Initiated with accumulation of dental plaque and mineralization of dental calculus.
- Tooth Loss: It is caused by untreated cavities and loss of bone support in the dental socket due to aging.
- Unbalanced Oral Flora: A lack of nutrients and minerals in the diet, as well as disruption in the oral microbiome produced by the use of alcohol based colorful mouthwashes, causes an unbalanced oral flora.
- Delayed Healing: Due to aging the wound healing gets delayed, especially after tooth extraction and oral surgical procedures.
- Taste Alterations: Due to aging, taste bud functions change and deteriorate further by using mouth burning alcohol based colorful mouthwash.
Managing Oral Care in Aging Elderly Population with Best Mouthwash
Regular daily oral hygiene practices in between professional cleaning is the key to achieving good oral health in the geriatric population. In an aging population, the selection of oral care products also becomes increasingly crucial due to age related changes in the defensive mechanism of the oral mucosal tissue (Apoptosis gene expression).
The majority of dental care products in the market contain harmful colors (Blue, Green, Purple, Orange, and so on), chemical preservatives, alcohol, artificial flavoring agents, and are highly acidic in nature, increasing oral health issues and disrupting the oral ecological environment of the mouth in the aging population.
Due to all of these challenges, it is extremely difficult for elderly people to use these colorful, alcohol based, mouth burning products on a daily basis, resulting in a lack of adequate oral hygiene. Choosing gentle oral care products, such as mineral enriched natural sea salt mouthwash, would be an excellent and safer option for maintaining good oral hygiene for the older population.
Best Mouthwash for Aging Adults
All Natural Sea Salt Mouthwash For Aging Population
H2Ocean is the first company in the world that patented sea salt based mouthwash. H2Ocean refreshing sea salt mouthwash contains over 82 trace minerals that are significantly important for restoring oral health, especially in the elderly.
The majority of the trace minerals found in H2Ocean sea salt mouthwash, which are only present in natural sea water, include potassium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, gold, sodium, iodine, manganese, chloride, selenium, and bromide etc.
H2Ocean mineral rich sea salt based mouthwash not only give natural defense to the oral cavity, but also natural healing elements for maintaining good oral health and hygiene. This makes H2Ocean as the best mouthwash for older adults.
Alcohol Free and Mineral Rich Mouthwash for Older Adults
H2Ocean’s all natural Artic Ocean and Lemon Ice Healing Rinse sea salt mouthwash is organically sourced. It is enhanced with natural flavors, Xylitol (natural sweetener), and lysozyme (antibacterial enzyme found in saliva).
H2Ocean sea salt mouthwash is a natural alternative to alcohol based mouthwash. It harnesses the power of Red Sea salt, which has been recognized for centuries for its therapeutic healing properties.
H2Ocean sea salt mouthwash, with its unique mineral and enzyme content would help in faster healing. It will give great healing results n the aging population following tooth extraction, dental surgeries, including dental implants and bridges.
Natural Healing Properties of H2Ocean Mouthwash For Older Adults
H2Ocean sea salt mouthwash also possesses natural anti inflammatory and soothing qualities. This aid in the reduction of bleeding gums, promotion of healthy gum, and provide relief for sensitive oral areas. Unlike alcohol based mouthwash that causes dryness and burning mouth, H2Ocean sea salt mouthwash is alcohol free and completely gentle. This makes it highly suitable for an aging population with sensitive oral tissues, inflammation or those prone to dry mouth, providing a refreshing and non burning experience.
H2Ocean Healing Rinse sea salt mouthwash helps create a neutral environment in the mouth that is unfavorable for harmful bacteria. It thus reduces the risk of dental issues such as cavities and gum infection in the elderly population.
Being a natural sweetener, xylitol, which is present in H2Ocean sea salt mouthwash, makes it a safer option for aging population. It is great mouthwash for diabetic people due to its low glycemic index. The natural antimicrobial effects of H2Ocean Healing Rinse sea salt mouthwash further aids in maintaining a balanced oral microbiome. It promotes optimal oral bio balance, and restores the taste alterations in the mouth.
By eliminating potentially harmful ingredients, H2Ocean sea salt mouthwash offers a more natural option for everyday oral care in the elderly population. It is even safe to swallow. All these unique properties makes H2Ocean as the best mouthwash for older adults.
Conclusion: Best Mouthwash for Older Adults
Choosing a mouthwash without artificial colors or preservatives significantly reduces the likelihood of allergic reactions, sensitivity, and ulcerative lesions. H2Ocean sea salt mouthwash also eliminates the risk of staining the teeth and minimizes potential adverse health effects associated with certain preservatives. The neutral pH formulation of H2Ocean sea salt mouthwash further aids in maintaining the adequate oral hygiene of dentures, implants, bridges, and other dental prosthesis.
It is also important to understand that homemade warm water salt mixture does not provide the same benefits as patented H2Ocean sea salt mouthwash. The homemade salt mix lacks the essential Red Sea salt minerals, lysozyme, and xylitol. This unique mineral enriches sea salt formulation found and correctly balanced in H2Ocean sea salt mouthwash.
Considering all of the enormous benefits and safety, H2Ocean sea salt mouthwash is the best mouthwash for older adults in maintaining good oral hygiene and health.