| Oral
Hygiene Tips for Seniors [[
by WEBmd ]]
Daily
brushing and flossing of your natural teeth is
essential to keeping them in good health. Plaque
can build up quickly on the teeth of older adults,
especially if oral hygiene is neglected, and lead
to tooth decay and gum disease. To maintain good
oral health, it's important for all individuals
-- regardless of age -- to:
- If
you have trouble gripping a toothbrush, make
it thicker by wrapping it with tape.
- To
make your toothbrush handle longer, tape an
extender around the end of the handle. Try a
tongue depressor, ice cream stick or ruler.
- Use
an electric or battery-powered toothbrush.
- There
are several different aids that you can buy
at the drug store to make flossing easier. Ask
your dentist for suggestions.
- Thoroughly
brush your gums, tongue and the roof of your
mouth with toothpaste each day before putting
in your dentures.
Dental
Health: Frequently Asked Questions About Senior
Dental Care [[
by WEBmd ]]
Dental
Aging: What to expect as your teeth get older.
[[
by Colgate ]]
How
your teeth and gums respond to age depends on
how well you've cared for them over the years.
But even if you're meticulous about brushing and
flossing, you may notice that your mouth feels
drier and your gums have pulled back (receded).
Your teeth may darken slightly and become more
brittle and easier to break.
Most
adults can keep their natural teeth all of their
lives. But with less saliva to wash away bacteria,
your teeth and gums become slightly more vulnerable
to decay and infection. If you've lost most or
all of your natural teeth, you might use dentures
or dental implants as a replacement.
Some
older adults experience dry mouth (xerostomia),
which can lead to tooth decay and infection. Dry
mouth can also make speaking, swallowing and tasting
difficult. Oral cancer is more common among older
adults. Your dentist checks for oral cancer when
you go for regular cleanings and checkups.
Seniors
and Dental Health Care [[
by About.com ]] |