Week 7 | caring for your teeth as you get older
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Caring for teeth as we age
Gone are the days when we were resigned to getting a full set of false teeth when we get into our older years.
Good mouth care doesn’t stop when we get older and it's still important to stick to good oral health routines
With the right oral health routine, and help from your dentist, it is possible to keep your teeth for life.
But there might be some new issues to deal with as you get older such as receding gums or a dry mouth.
You might also find that certain health conditions impact on your ability to look after your teeth or you could experience mouth ulcers from badly fitting appliances such as dentures, bridges or crowns.
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Top tips for caring for your teeth and gums
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Thoroughly remove plaque from your teeth (and dentures if you have them) last thing at night and at least one other time during the day.
Use a fluoride toothpaste containing 1350 to 1500ppm (parts per million) of fluoride.
Your dentist may prescribe a higher-fluoride toothpaste if they think you need it.
Ideally clean in between your teeth at least once a day using interdental brushes or dental floss.
Cut down on how often you have food and drinks containing sugar - especially sweets that last longer in the mouth such as boiled sweets or mints and avoid frequent sipping of sugary drinks.
Visit the dentist at least every 12 months and more regularly if your dentist advises it.
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Health conditions that could impact oral health
As you get older you might develop conditions that impact on your oral health, or your ability to clean your teeth.
If you have arthritis you may find it difficult to grip a toothbrush handle, but you can get handle adapters.
Electric or ‘power' toothbrushes are also ideal for people with limited movement. The handles are thicker and easier to hold and the oscillating head does most of the work.
Power toothbrushes have been proven to remove more plaque than manual toothbrushes, so everyone can benefit from using them.
There are lots of different types available, and your dentist can help you decide which would be best for you.
Some people take regular medication which makes their mouth dry. Saliva helps to protect your teeth against decay, so if you have less saliva than usual ask your dental team for advice.
Or you can buy special products, including artificial saliva, in most pharmacies without a prescription.
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Caring for replacement tooth appliances
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of all ages have crowns/bridges, implants or dentures to replace lost or missing teeth.
This not only helps improve the functionality of your mouth, but can also restore your confidence too.
Daily cleaning around these fixed or removable teeth and the gums that support them is essential for long term oral health.
Your dental team will be able to give expert advice and guidance on caring for your replacement teeth.
Find out more about dentures, bridges and crowns at the Oral Health Foundation website here. [
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More advice
The Oral Health Foundation offers lots of information about caring for your teeth when you are older.
Read more online here. [
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Age UK has lots of useful advice about caring for your teeth as you age.
Find out more here.
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*We hope you're finding these emails helpful.*
*Until next time.*
*Derbyshire County Council*
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