Tips on maintaining oral health to help prevent falls

November 7, 2022

As we get older, we’re more likely to have problems with our mouth and teeth, which may result in problems with chewing, pain, tooth loss, and partial or full dentures.

These issues may negatively impact one's ability to eat nutritious foods (fresh fruits and vegetables, meat, poultry, nuts, for example) and result in weight loss, muscle weakness, bone loss, malnutrition and/or increased frailty in older adults - adding up to an increased risk of falling and having a fall-related injury.

In this Story…

Tips on maintaining good oral health for the prevention of falls

Listen to audio clips about fall prevention

Future of dental care access

Learn more about fall prevention

Tips on maintaining good oral health for the prevention of falls

What can you do to keep your mouth and teeth healthy and reduce your risk of falling and getting hurt?

Brush your teeth or dentures for two minutes at least twice daily
Floss your teeth at least once daily
Ensure you have regular dental and dental hygiene check-ups
Drink more water
Avoid sugary fruit juices, soft drinks, and adding sugar to your tea or coffee
Choose healthy foods (fresh fruits, veggies, meat, poultry, nuts, whole grains)
Limit sugary desserts, donuts, candy, etc.
Do your exercises to maintain an appetite and strengthen your muscles and bones

Listen to audio clips about fall prevention

Learn more about falls from Interior Health’s Fall Prevention Improvement Consultant Kelly Wilson by listening to the following clips:

Future of dental care access

The federal government has announced its commitment to providing dental care to Canadians, and continues to build a comprehensive national long-term dental care program.

Learn more about Making Dental Care More Affordable: The Canada Dental Benefit