Dental Care for Older Adults
Dental care for older people is much the same as for younger adults. But older adults do have concerns that younger adults do not. These include caring for dentures, having trouble holding a toothbrush, having gum disease, having tooth decay on the roots of teeth, and replacing missing teeth and broken fillings.
Dentures are "false teeth." They can replace all the teeth in your mouth (complete denture) or only some of them (partial denture). If you need dentures, your dentist will measure your mouth and take impressions to create them.
You should care for your dentures as you would your teeth. It's also important to continue to care for your gums. Brush your gums, tongue and the roof of your mouth (palate) every day with a soft-bristled brush before you put in your dentures. Continue to see your dentist on a regular basis.
To care for your dentures:
To care for your teeth and gums:
Using a toothbrush
Older adults with arthritis sometimes have trouble brushing their teeth because they cannot easily hold the toothbrush. Their hands and fingers may be stiff, painful, or weak. If this is the case, you can:
You may also be able to buy specially designed toothbrushes, toothpaste dispensers, and floss holders.
Normal dental care
To keep your teeth and gums healthy, you should:
Many older adults have a fixed income and feel that they cannot afford dental care. But most towns and cities have programs in which dentists assist older adults by reducing fees. Contact your area's public health offices or social services for information about dental care in your community.
eMedicineHealth Medical Reference from Healthwise
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