Getting older can affect your oral health. Some health conditions can affect your mouth, making problems you already have worse. That’s why it's especially important to get good dental care as an older adult. Find out how much you know about teeth by taking this quiz.
1. All people eventually lose their teeth as they age.
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Teeth are meant to last a lifetime. Brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, and seeing a dentist regularly will help keep your teeth healthy.
2. If you have dentures, you no longer need regular dental checkups.
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Whether you have teeth or dentures, you still need to see a dentist regularly—usually every 6 to 12 months. These dental visits promote good oral hygiene. And your dentist can help spot oral cancers in their early stages, when they are most treatable.
3. The biggest dental problem in older adults is gum disease.
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Gum disease is also called periodontal disease. It is an inflammatory disease that affects the soft and hard structures that support the teeth. It’s caused by bacteria in plaque that builds up on the teeth. If untreated, gum disease can cause teeth to loosen and fall out. It also causes bad breath. Brushing your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and flossing daily will remove plaque.
4. Electric toothbrushes are a good option. They can be helpful for people with arthritis or other conditions that make it hard to grip a toothbrush and move it all around their mouth.
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Other suggestions include attaching a regular toothbrush to the hand with a wide elastic band. Or attaching the toothbrush to a sponge or foam ball. If you have limited shoulder movement, try lengthening the toothbrush handle by attaching a long piece of wood or plastic.
5. "Dry mouth" is a normal part of aging.
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Healthy older adults produce as much saliva as younger adults. But dry mouth is a side effect of many commonly prescribed medicines, including high blood pressure medicines, antidepressants, and antihistamines. Some diseases and medical treatments, including chemotherapy, can cause dry mouth. Drink extra water to make up for this. And stay away from caffeine, tobacco, and alcohol, all of which make the mouth dry. Risk for tooth decay is increased with dry mouth. So limit sugary snacks and practice good oral care. Ask your dentist about other steps you can take.
6. If you see white or red patches on your gums or tongue, you should see your dentist.
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Red or white patches may be a symptom of many oral diseases, including oral or mouth cancer. Other symptoms to have checked are sores that don't heal, blisters, a lump in the mouth, pain or numbness in the mouth, and problems chewing or swallowing. See your dentist, oral surgeon, or healthcare provider.
7. It's important to clean dentures thoroughly at least once a day.
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Denture surfaces can harbor bacteria and fungi (yeast). Use a denture care product. And make sure you brush all the surfaces with it daily. Regular toothpaste is too harsh to use on dentures. Place the dentures in water or a denture cleaning liquid overnight. Also clean your gums, tongue, and roof of your mouth daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
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You should visit the dental office every 6 months to make sure your teeth and gums are healthy. If problems are found, your dentist or dental hygienist will advise self-care and treatment.
