Regular visits to teeth are particularly important for older people because many people have dry mouths that slow down saliva flow. Saliva plays an important role in preventing tooth decay by flushing away food particles and neutralizing harmful acids. Dry mouth is often accompanied by old age, but it may also be caused by drugs such as antihistamines, decongestants, antidepressants and diuretics. The dentist can usually treat dry mouth.
With regular dental examinations, older people should brush their teeth and brush their teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste. They should also ask their dentist about fluoride flushing and gels because studies have shown that older people who often brush with fluoride toothpaste or use fluoride flush or gel have less tooth decay. The elderly are most likely to get cavities, the old fillings are broken or the surface of the root is not protected by the gingival retraction.
Other suggestions are to keep teeth for a lifetime: moderate amounts of snacks, avoid snacks with sugar and starch, and alert the dentist to any changes to the medication.
Taking these precautions should help prevent older people from wearing dentures. However, even elderly people without teeth still need to visit the dentist regularly, because many aspects of oral health, such as adjusting inappropriate dentures and oral cancer screening, can be treated in routine dental examinations.
