Dental Health for Seniors

Is it important for seniors to visit the dentist regularly?

Yes! The teeth we have are for a lifetime. The longer that we can hold on to our own teeth, the better it is for our nutrition, appearance and general health. Besides regular check ups are much less expensive than extractions and dentures.

Dentures

If you have a partial denture, then you should try to hold onto your existing teeth that help “anchor” the denture in place so that you can avoid a complete denture.

If you have complete dentures, you want to keep them in good repair. Proper eating habits are essential to maintain a good diet and good nutrition. In addition, advances in implant therapy are available to improve the fit of your exisiting dentures. However, in most cases we would generally try to repair or reline existing denture then replace them. However, discussing options with a dentist may give you a range of options.

What are things that you should look out for?

Teeth that are sensitive to temperature changes or biting. If a tooth is sensitive to hot or cold or it is sensitive when you bite into your food then you should see a dentist.

Gums that are red or bleed when you are brushing. This is likely a sign of periodontal disease. Maintaining your gums for a lifetime is important so that you don’t lose perfectly good teeth to gum disease.

Dentures that don’t fit well or are sore after eating. The bone under your denture will change in time. In most cases, over a period of years the dentures should be relined or refitted to maximize there use. This will also improve the comfort of the dentures.

Simple Dental Tips for Seniors

  1. Use a soft toothbrush and replace it regularly (every 3 or 4 months).
  2. If you have difficulty holding a regular toothbrush then consider an electric toothbrush.
  3. Keep your dentures out at night. Dentures are not meant to be worn 24 hours a day. This allows the gums to breathe which prevents infection and allows them to heal.
  4. If you have a dry mouth then keep a glass of water handy, suck on sugarless (diabetic) candies or a sugarless chewing gum. These will all help promote increased saliva flow.
  5. If you have pain or concerns then see a dentist in the early stages before things progress.