Taking Care of Your Teeth
and Mouth
A healthy smile is a bonus at any age. Too often older people-especially
those who wear false teeth (or dentures)-feel they no longer need dental checkups. If you
haven't learned the basics of oral health care, it is not too late to start. And even if
you have, it's a good time to review.
Tooth Decay (Cavities)
Tooth decay is not just a children’s disease; it can happen as long as natural
teeth are in the mouth. Tooth decay is caused by bacteria that normally live in the mouth.
The bacteria cling to teeth and form a sticky, colorless film called dental plaque. The
bacteria in plaque live on sugars and produce decay causing acids that dissolve minerals
on tooth surfaces. Tooth decay can also develop on the exposed roots of the teeth if you
have gum disease or receding gums (where gums pull away from the teeth, exposing the
roots).
Just as with children, fluoride is important for adult teeth. Research has shown that
adding fluoride to the water supply is the best and least costly way to prevent tooth
decay. In addition, using fluoride toothpastes and mouthrinses can add protection. Daily
fluoride rinses can be bought at most drug stores without a prescription. If you have a
problem with cavities, your dentist or dental hygienist may give you a fluoride treatment
during the office visit. The dentist may prescribe a fluoride gel or mouthrinse for you to
use at home.
Gum (Periodontal) Disease
A common cause of tooth loss after age 35 is gum (periodontal) disease. These are
infections of the gum and bone that hold the teeth in place. Gum diseases are also caused
by dental plaque. The bacteria in plaque causes the gums to become inflamed and bleed
easily. If left untreated, the disease gets worse as pockets of infection form between the
teeth and gums. This causes receding gums and loss of supporting bone. You may lose enough
bone to cause your teeth to become loose and fall out.
You can prevent gum disease by removing plaque. Thoroughly brush and floss your teeth each
day. Carefully check your mouth for early signs of disease such as red, swollen, or
bleeding gums. See your dentist regularly every 6-12 months - or at once if these signs
are present.
Cleaning Your Teeth and Gums
An important part of good oral health is knowing how to brush and floss correctly.
Thorough brushing each day removes plaque. Gently brush the teeth on all sides with a soft
bristle brush using a fluoride toothpaste. Circular and short back-and-forth strokes work
best. Take the time to brush carefully along the gum line. Lightly brushing your tongue
also helps to remove plaque and food debris and makes your mouth feel fresh.
In addition to brushing, using dental floss is necessary to keep the gums healthy. Proper
flossing is important because it removes plaque and leftover food that a toothbrush cannot
reach. Your dentist or dental hygienist can show you the best way to brush and floss your
teeth. If brushing or flossing results in bleeding gums, pain, or irritation, see your
dentist at once.
An antibacterial mouthrinse, approved for the control of plaque and swollen gums, may be
prescribed by your dentist. The mouthrinse is used in addition to careful daily brushing
and flossing.
Some people (with arthritis or other conditions that limit motion) may find it hard to
hold a toothbrush. To overcome this, the toothbrush handle can be attached to the hand
with a wide elastic band or may be enlarged by attaching it to a sponge, styrofoam ball,
or similar object. People with limited shoulder movement may find brushing easier if the
handle of the brush is lengthened by attaching a long piece of wood or plastic. Electric
toothbrushes are helpful to many.
Other Conditions of the Mouth
Dry mouth (xerostomia) is common in many adults and may make it hard
to eat, swallow, taste, and speak. The condition happens when salivary glands fail to work
properly as a result of various diseases or medical treatments, such as chemotherapy or
radiation therapy to the head and neck area. Dry mouth is also a side effect of more than
400 commonly used medicines, including drugs for high blood pressure, antidepressants, and
antihistamines. Dry mouth can affect oral health by adding to tooth decay and infection.
Until recently, dry mouth was regarded as a normal part of aging. We now know that healthy
older adults produce as much saliva as younger adults. So, if you think you have dry
mouth, talk with your dentist or doctor. To relieve the dryness, drink extra water and
avoid sugary snacks, beverages with caffeine, tobacco, and alcohol - all of which increase
dryness in the mouth.
Cancer therapies, such as radiation to the head and neck or chemotherapy,
can cause oral problems, including dry mouth, tooth decay, painful mouth sores, and
cracked and peeling lips. Before starting cancer treatment, it is important to see a
dentist and take care of any necessary dental work. Your dentist will also show you how to
care for your teeth and mouth before, during, and after your cancer treatment to prevent
or reduce the oral problems that can occur.
Oral cancer (mouth cancer) most often occurs in people over age 40. The
disease frequently goes unnoticed in its early, curable stages. This is true in part
because many older people, particularly those wearing full dentures, do not visit their
dentists often enough and because pain is usually not an early symptom of the disease.
People who smoke cigarettes, use other tobacco products, or drink excessive amounts of
alcohol are at increased risk for oral cancer.
It is important to spot oral cancer as early as possible, since treatment works best
before the disease has spread. If you notice any red or white patches on the gums or
tongue, sores that do not heal within 2 weeks, or if you have difficulty chewing or
swallowing, be sure to see a dentist.
A head and neck exam, which should be a part of every dental check-up, will allow your
dentist to detect early signs of oral cancer.
Dentures
If you wear false teeth (dentures), keep them clean and free from food that can cause
stains, bad breath, and gum irritation. Once a day, brush all surfaces of the dentures
with a denture care product. Remove your dentures from your mouth and place them in water
or a denture cleansing liquid while you sleep. It is also helpful to rinse your mouth with
a warm salt water solution in the morning, after meals, and at bedtime.
Partial dentures should be cared for in the same way as full dentures. Because bacteria
tend to collect under the clasps of partial dentures, it is especially important to clean
this area.
Dentures will seem awkward at first. When learning to eat with false teeth, select soft
nonsticky food, cut food into small pieces, and chew slowly using both sides of the mouth.
Dentures may make your mouth less sensitive to hot foods and liquids, and lower your
ability to detect harmful objects such as bones. If problems in eating, talking, or simply
wearing dentures continue after the first few weeks, see your dentist about making
adjustments.
In time, dentures need to be replaced or readjusted because of changes that occur in
tissues of your mouth. Do not try to repair dentures at home since this may damage the
dentures which in turn may further hurt your mouth.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are anchors that permanently hold replacement teeth. There are several
different types of implants, but the most popular are metal screws surgically placed into
the jaw bones. If there isn’t enough bone, a separate surgical procedure to add bone
may be needed. Because bone heals slowly, treatment with implants can often take longer (4
months to 1 year or more) than bridges or dentures. If you are considering dental
implants, it is important to select an experienced dentist with whom you can discuss your
concerns frankly beforehand to be certain the procedure is right for you.
Professional Care
In addition to practicing good oral hygiene, it is important to have regular check-ups
by the dentist whether you have natural teeth or dentures. It is also important to follow
through with any special treatments that are necessary to ensure good oral health. For
instance, if you have sensitive teeth caused by receding gums, your dentist may suggest
using a special toothpaste for a few months. Teeth are meant to last a lifetime. By taking
good care of your teeth and gums, you can protect them for years to come.
Additional Dental Health Information
More information about general dental care is available from:
National Institute of Dental Research (NIDR)
Building 31, Room 2C35
31 CENTER DR MSC 2290
BETHESDA MD 20892-2290
301-496-4261
NIDR publishes information on oral research and general dental care. Some
publications available are:
Fever Blisters and Canker Sores
Fluoride to Protect the Teeth of Adults
Rx for Sound Teeth
What You Need to Know About Periodontal (Gum) Disease
National Oral Health Information Clearinghouse
1 NOHIC Way
Bethesda, MD 20892-3500
301-402-7364
NIDR also offers publications on oral health for special care patients through the
National Oral Health Information Clearinghouse. Special care patients are people whose
medical conditions or treatments affect oral health. Publications available include:
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