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 Make your smile last a lifetime!
Seniors are just as much at risk of getting tooth decay as children are. Often the saliva ducts are not as active, due to natural aging or medications, and so the natural flow of saliva does not offer as much cleansing and acid buffering as in their younger years. Dry mouth (xerostomia) is better treated by sips of water or saliva substitutes rather than sugar filled lozenges which can lead to tooth and root decay. Sometimes as we age, we develop recession leaving some of our teeth with exposed roots. It is important that these roots be cleaned properly with careful brushing and flossing to reduce the risk of root decay. For those with limited dexterity in their hands, large handled toothbrushes, electric plaque removers (electric tooth brushes), and floss picks or a floss wand should be used. Your dental hygienist can help find the right tools just for you. If teeth have been extracted and dentures are worn, dental hygiene and dental check-ups are still important. Partial dentures need strong healthy teeth for support. Even those with full dentures need to have their soft tissues examined for lesions and sores. And remember, dentures need special attention too. Your smile is your most valuable asset. Keep it shining for a lifetime.
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It
is not unusual for adults to retain all or most of their teeth well
into their more senior years. No longer is it expected that we will
lose our teeth as we get older and that we will need dentures. Regular
visits to a |
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