As you age, it is even more important that you take excellent care of your teeth and gums. One common myth is that losing your teeth is inevitable with age. With proper care, your teeth can last a lifetime.
There are however some dental changes that occur as you age. Over time, the nerves of your teeth shrink, so your teeth are less sensitive to problems such as cavities. By the time you feel any dental pain, the cavity may be quite large. Seeing your dentist for regular exams and x-rays can lead to an earlier diagnosis of any potential problems.
If you wear full or partial dentures, remember to leave them out of your mouth at bedtime to promote better gum health. Clean them daily using a soft toothbrush but don’t use toothpaste as it is too abrasive over time. Denture soaking tablets can safely clean and freshen your dentures.
If you have a dry mouth, (a common side effect of most medications),
you are at higher risk for gumline cavities (cavities at the root of the teeth especially if you have gum recession). There are several over the counter products such as Biotene toothpaste and mouth rinse that can alleviate the discomfort of dry mouth. Brushing with a prescription strengh fluoride toothpaste prescribed by your dentist will help decrease the incidences of these root cavities.
Practice good oral hygiene, brushing twice a day with a soft toothbrush or an electric toothbrush. If you have arthritic joint pain which makes brushing difficult or painful, an electric toothbrush with a larger handle can help your grip and improve your brushing technique. Clean between your teeth at least daily at night using floss or another interdental cleaner such as proxybrushes or soft picks.
Visit your dentist regularly. Even if you wear full dentures, an annual oral cancer is recommended.
