Senior Dental Concerns
Seniors are the largest growing faction of the US population and have specialized dental needs for many reasons. Dr. DiStefano wants to educate seniors and their families about these issues, which include that:
- Many seniors take prescription medication that can adversely interact with dental anesthesia and cause dry mouths, which increases the likelihood of tooth decay and loss
- Oral disease is more prevalent in adults and seniors, and is the leading cause of tooth loss
- 44% of seniors no longer have teeth, but do not realize they should see a dentist for regular denture adjustments and cancer screenings
- Seniors may be homebound and in need of mobile dentistry
- 50-75% of seniors experience tooth loss when they reside in nursing homes
- Family members need to take an active role in encouraging oral health and scheduling regular dental visits
Many individuals assume that once they have dentures regular dental check-ups, oral hygiene and health no longer matter. Not True! It is essential that a denture wearer still seek dental services & regular check-ups. The denture needs to be examined for a proper fit/function and the soft tissues need a regular oral cancer examination.
Why should I clean my dentures daily?
Daily brushing and soaking of your denture is absolutely essential to prevent such build-up of food, stain, plaque, and calculus which may cause the following:
- Staining of the denture teeth and structures
- Bad breath
- Tissue irritation underneath the denture
- Gum & Mouth Infections
How do I keep my dentures clean?
- After each meal brush and rinse your denture to remove loose food
- When brushing, always use water, a mildly abrasive toothpaste, or denture toothpaste.
- Refrain from using Scouring Powders or Cleaners (These scratch the denture and cause additional plaque build-up)
- Use a denture tooth brush to clean your dentures, reserving your regular toothbrush for your other natural teeth.
Make sure you reach all areas of the denture.
- At night, the denture can be soaked in a denture solvent (Polident or Efferdent). This solvent helps remove any light stains or other deposits. These solvents can be used daily or weekly, depending on your specific needs. Remember to always rinse your denture thoroughly after a chemical treatment is used.
- At every dental visit, your dental will be cleaned professionally using an ultrasonic machine. This helps remove heavy tartar and stain.
- The most effective way to assure your dentures stay in tip top condition is with daily brushing and soaking.
Some helpful hints:
- When holding & brushing your appliance hold firmly, but gently
- Brush your denture over the sink filled half way full of water. Place a towel as a cushion in the bottom of the sink, to protect the denture should it fall.
- Soak your denture in luke warm water only, to prevent distortion of the denture shape.
- Use only a denture brush to clean your denture, avoid using any hard bristled brushes
- Leave your denture out while sleeping or for 6-8 hours during the day, unless your dentist recommends otherwise. Leaving the denture in for long periods of time does not allow the gum tissue to recuperate and may cause gum infections.
Your gums are important too:
- Not only do your dentures require daily maintenance, but also your gum tissues beneath the dentures.
- The gum tissues should be cleaned a minimum of 2 times a day with a soft toothbrush or damp washcloth. This technique helps remove the food debris and helps stimulate the blood flow into the tissues.
- Gum tissue should be massaged once each day using the press and release technique. Place your thumb and index finger on either side of the gum tissue ridge and press and release.
Remaining natural teeth:
- It is absolutely necessary to maintain the health of any remaining natural teeth through consistent dental cleanings, and brushing & flossing.
How do I know my dentures no longer fit?
As we age, the mouth and jaw bones subtly change. The dentures that once fit so perfectly require adjustments. If you experience any of the below stated problems, you most likely need your denture checked and refitted to your changing mouth.
- Trouble in chewing food of any texture or hardness
- Constant cheek biting
- Trouble in speaking
- Tissues that are red, inflamed, or bleeding
- Discomfort while wearing your denture
- Lips or corners of your mouth that are cracked