As you age, it becomes even more important to take good care of your teeth, gums and overall oral health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately one-fourth of adults age 65 and older have no remaining teeth. What's more, nearly one-third of older adults have untreated tooth decay.

Oral health, regardless of age, is crucial to overall good health. Ideally, we all want to keep your natural teeth, but whether you're caring for natural teeth or dentures, advancing age may put older adults at risk for a number of oral health problems, including:

• Dry mouth
• Diminished sense of taste
• Root decay
• Gum (periodontal) disease
• Uneven jawbone caused by tooth loss
• Denture-induced tissue inflammation
• Attrition (loss of teeth structure by mechanical forces)
• Recession of gums resulting in root exposure
• Oral cancer

These conditions may not be diagnosed until it is too late. If you want to feel good, stay healthy, and look great throughout life, you might be surprised what a difference a healthy mouth makes.

Here are some tips for maintaining and improving your oral health as you age:

• Brush twice a day with a toothbrush with soft bristles. You may also benefit from using an electric toothbrush. Each brushing session should be two minutes long.
• Clean between your teeth once a day with floss or another interdental cleaner.
• If you wear full or partial dentures, remember to clean them on a daily basis. Take the dentures out of your mouth for at least four hours every day. It's best to remove them at night.
• Drink tap water. Since most contains fluoride, it helps prevent tooth decay no matter how old you are.
• Quit smoking. Besides putting you at greater risk for lung and other cancers, smoking increases problems with gum disease, tooth decay, and tooth loss.
• Visit our office regularly for a complete dental checkup.

If you have any questions about keeping up with your oral hygiene at home, please give us a call!

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