How can I take care of my teeth?
Proper oral care can keep you smiling well into retirement.
Brushing at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and a
medium-bristle brush are as important as ever. Flossing can help you
save your teeth by removing plaque between teeth and below the gum
line that your toothbrush cannot reach.
What are some problems I should watch for?
Gingivitis. Most people don't realize how important it is to take
care of their gums. Gingivitis is caused by the bacteria found in
plaque that attack the gums. Symptoms of gingivitis include red,
swollen gums and possible bleeding when you brush. If you have any of
these symptoms, see a dentist at once. Gingivitis can lead to gum
disease if problems persist. Three out of four adults over the age of
35 are affected by some sort of gum (periodontal) disease. In gum
disease, the infection becomes severe. Your gums begin to recede,
pulling back from the teeth. In the worst cases, bacteria form pockets
between the teeth and gums, weakening the bone. All this can lead to
tooth loss if untreated, especially in patients with osteoporosis. If
regular oral care is too difficult, your dentist can provide
alternatives to aid in flossing and prescribe medication to keep the
infection from getting worse.
What if it's too difficult to brush?
If you have arthritis, you may find it difficult to brush and floss
for good oral health care and prevention of disease. Ask your dentist
for ways to overcome this problem. Certain dental products are
designed to make dental care less painful for arthritis sufferers. You
may want to try strapping the toothbrush to a larger object, such as a
ball, to make the brush more comfortable to handle, or electric
toothbrushes can help by doing some of the work for you.
What are the signs of oral cancer?
Oral cancer most often occurs in people over 40 years of age. See a
dentist immediately if you notice any red or white patches on your
gums or tongue, and watch for sores that fail to heal within two
weeks. Unfortunately, oral cancer is often difficult to detect in its
early stages, when it can be cured easily. Your dentist can perform a
head and neck exam to screen for signs of cancer. Since oral cancer is
often painless in its early stages, many patients will not notice the
signs until it is too late. In addition, many older people, especially
those who wear dentures, do not visit their dentists enough and
problems go unseen.
Should I be concerned about dry mouth?
Dry mouth (xerostomia) happens when salivary glands fail to work
due to disease, certain medications or cancer treatment. This can make
it hard to eat, swallow, taste and speak. In certain cases, such as
radiation therapy, dry mouth can lead to severe complications, which
is why it is important you see a dentist immediately before beginning
any form of cancer treatment. Drinking lots of water and avoiding
sweets, tobacco, alcohol and caffeine are some ways to fight dry
mouth. Your dentist also can prescribe medications to fight severe dry
mouth.
Maintaining your overall health
Studies have shown that maintaining a healthy mouth may keep your
body healthier and help you avoid diabetes, heart disease and stroke.
The best way to achieve good oral health is to visit your dentist for
a cleaning at least twice a year.
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