Maintaining good oral health is just as important in your 60s and 70s as it was in your 20s. The chances of getting a cavity actually increase as you get older. One of the reasons is dry mouth – a common side effect of many prescription medications. We live longer these days, so maintaining good dental hygiene at all ages is important.
See your Dentist
You should see your dentist at least twice a year so he/she can check for cavities, evaluate your existing restorations, and monitor you for gum disease and other oral problems. Don’t wait until you have a painful problem to make an appointment!
At Home
You should brush and floss at least twice a day. If you have trouble brushing consider investing in an electric toothbrush. I recommend Sonicare to my patients.
To clean between your teeth use dental floss, dental tape, or pre-threaded floss for those hard to reach places.
Denture Care Â
Your teeth collect food particles and bacteria during the day and so do dentures. If you wear dentures, clean them every day with a product made for denture care, regular toothpaste does not do the trick.
You should remove your dentures every day to keep your mouth healthy. Your dentist will provide you with specific information about how to care for your dentures as well as how long you can wear them.
Nutrition
Monitoring your nutrition is important for your general health as well as the health of your teeth. Sugary foods and drinks can cause tooth decay and should be consumed in moderation. When selecting a beverage, water is your best option and water with fluoride can actually help prevent cavities. Community water systems often contain fluoride, but if you choose to drink bottled water just check the label to see if contains the powerful anti-cavity ingredient.
