Brushing and flossing your teeth is just as important for you as it is for your grandchildren. Even though it may have been years since you’ve had a cavity, your risk of cavities increases with age. One of the reasons is dry mouth — a common side effect of many prescription medications.
Dr. Tyler Wolf, president of the West Michigan District Dental Society, recommends you brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
“It’s a good idea to choose a toothbrush with soft bristles and a small head to get to those hard-to-reach areas,” Wolf said.
Another suggestion for those who may have problems with arthritis, or other conditions that limit movement, is to try an electric toothbrush.
It is important to clean between the teeth daily with floss.
“If floss is too difficult to work with, try a floss pick or tiny brushes made to clean between the teeth,” Wolf said.
Clean dentures daily
Just as bacteria stick to your teeth, it also will stick to your full or partial dentures. Be sure to clean your dentures every day with cleaners made specifically for dentures. Do not use toothpaste for natural teeth or household cleaners, which are too abrasive and can damage dentures that can be expensive to replace. “Take your dentures out of your mouth for at least four hours every 24 hours to keep the lining of your mouth healthy,” Wol f said. It’s best to remove your full or partial dentures at night. Your dentist will provide you with instructions about how long your dentures should be worn each day.
Wolf emphasizes it is important to get regular dental checkups and to not wait until you have pain.
“As you age, the nerves inside your teeth become smaller and less sensitive. By the time you feel pain from a cavity, it might be too late to save your tooth,” Wolf said.
Your dentist also will check for more serious conditions such as oral cancer and gum disease, which do not always cause pain until the advanced stages of the disease. By then, it often is more difficult and costly to treat.
When you visit your dentist for a checkup, it’s a good idea to bring the following information: List of all medications, including vitamins and over-the-counter drugs
List of medical conditions and allergies Information and phone numbers of all health care providers Information about your emergency contacts Dental insurance or Medicaid cards Your dentures or partials, even if you don’t wear them
Drink water with fluoride
No matter what age you are, drinking water with fluoride helps prevent tooth decay. Fluoride is nature’s cavity fighter. In 1945,
Quit smoking
It’s never too late to quit smoking. Smoking increases problems with gum disease, tooth decay and tooth loss. It also slows healing after dental procedures and can decrease the success rate of dental implants.
Talk to your dentist about quitting. There are tobacco cessation programs, overthe- counter products and prescription medications that your dentist can prescribe or recommend to help you quit for good.
Brought to you by the 600 members of the West Michigan District Dental Society in
