Dental Care

Just because we get older does not mean we outgrow the need to take care of our teeth and see a dentist regularly. In fact, there may be an even greater need to care for our teeth. As we age, less saliva is produced in the mouth so some of its natural cleansing action is lost. Medicines can also cause the mouth to be drier. The gums shrink and expose new areas of teeth to possible infection or decay. Dentures may not fit as well because of changes in the gums and the jawbones. The risk of oral cancer is higher.

Teeth can last a lifetime if they are looked after. The most effective thing you can do is brushing your teeth. Brush them in the morning and again before going to bed at night. Use a soft brush and replace it every 6 months. Pay attention to the gum line when you brush. Brushing the roof of the mouth and the tongue gently will also help remove germs and prevent bad breath. Brushing after each meal is best. If you can only brush once a day, it is best to do it at bedtime. Electric toothbrushes can be very helpful to people with arthritis. Ask your dentist or dental hygienist to show you the proper way to brush your teeth.

If you wear dentures, take them out to clean them. You may want to take them out at bedtime, let them soak in warm (not hot) water or a denture cleansing solution overnight, and then brush them in the morning. Always soak them if they are out of your mouth because keeping dentures dry may cause them to shrink or warp. While your dentures are out of your mouth, use a soft toothbrush on your tongue, gums, and palate and then rinse your mouth and gums. It's a good idea to brush your dentures over a wash basin half full of water. If they slip from your fingers, they're less likely to crack if they land in water. Always use a special denture brush that will reach all parts of the denture. A regular toothbrush will not do the job. You can use soap, toothpaste, or bicarbonate of soda to clean dentures, but denture paste removes stains better.

If you still have your own teeth, flossing will remove germs and food particles from between the teeth and along the gum line where brushing doesn't always reach. Insert the floss between teeth, using a gentle sawing motion. Move the floss up and down the side of each tooth.

Use a fluoride toothpaste that is recommended by the American Dental Association. Tartar control toothpaste may be helpful. Rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash can help reduce plaque.

Yearly dental checkups are recommended. During your checkup, your dentist will remove any plaque and check your teeth for cavities. Your dentist will also check your gums for infection or inflammation and the rest of your mouth for signs of cancer.

If you have red or white spots or other sores in the mouth that do not go away within 2 weeks, see your dentist. Mouth sores that don't go away can be an early sign of oral cancer.