| Care and treatment for older patients is really important, in order that they can maintain the pleasure of eating and talking without embarrassment. More and more patients are keeping their teeth well into very old age. This of course allows a normal healthy diet to be maintained and enjoyed. As people become older the teeth are more prone to active decay because of common reduction in saliva flow which would normally help to wash away food debris. |  |
Cleaning also becomes more difficult as hand movements may become restricted and vision less sharp. This reduction in saliva also makes wearing full dentures more of a problem as suction to hold the denture is reduced. Many prescribed medicines also reduce saliva flow.
Treatment and CareIf the patient is able to come to the surgery, appointments should be made regularly for thorough cleaning and early detection of active decay. Fluoride treatments and root sealing’s help to reduce decay and allow some of the new tooth coloured materials to improve function and aesthetics. Nowadays many broken down teeth can be built -up and maintained at little cost or discomfort. This often delays or negates the wearing of dentures.
Cleaning is vital and sometimes normal brushing is difficult. Electric toothbrushes are excellent, especially when hand movement becomes restricted. Mouth rinses are useful but any antiseptic mouth rinses should only be used just for a few days at a time. Saltwater is very good or even just plain water rinses.
See our web page on Gum Disease
If saliva is reduced, then sucking on sugarless lozenges or using artificial saliva can be very effective. Single tufted tooth brushes can be useful for getting into awkward places. Dentures should be removed very regularly to clean any remaining teeth and the dentures themselves.
Fizzy sugary drinks should be avoided at all costs as rapid active decay will result.
Tooth loss due to gum disease is common in our older patients however is not inevitable. Care with gum cleaning will help to retain the teeth in the mouth. Many older patients find flossing difficult although there are some floss holders or interdental brushes available that can make it a little easier.
All regular dental treatments are available for preserving teeth and gums while implants have become a very popular and successful means of replacing missing teeth. Patients who have problems with wearing full dentures can have the function and stability restored by using implants as a support base.
See our web page on Implants.
When patients are housebound either in their own home or in an aged care facility, visits can be arranged for some dental treatments. Carers should use electric toothbrushes for ease and access and dentures must be cleaned after all meals.
Treatment and CareIf the patient is able to come to the surgery, appointments should be made regularly for thorough cleaning and early detection of active decay. Fluoride treatments and root sealing’s help to reduce decay and allow some of the new tooth coloured materials to improve function and aesthetics. Nowadays many broken down teeth can be built -up and maintained at little cost or discomfort. This often delays or negates the wearing of dentures.
Cleaning is vital and sometimes normal brushing is difficult. Electric toothbrushes are excellent, especially when hand movement becomes restricted. Mouth rinses are useful but any antiseptic mouth rinses should only be used just for a few days at a time. Saltwater is very good or even just plain water rinses.
See our web page on Gum Disease
If saliva is reduced, then sucking on sugarless lozenges or using artificial saliva can be very effective. Single tufted tooth brushes can be useful for getting into awkward places. Dentures should be removed very regularly to clean any remaining teeth and the dentures themselves.
Fizzy sugary drinks should be avoided at all costs as rapid active decay will result.
Tooth loss due to gum disease is common in our older patients however is not inevitable. Care with gum cleaning will help to retain the teeth in the mouth. Many older patients find flossing difficult although there are some floss holders or interdental brushes available that can make it a little easier.
All regular dental treatments are available for preserving teeth and gums while implants have become a very popular and successful means of replacing missing teeth. Patients who have problems with wearing full dentures can have the function and stability restored by using implants as a support base.
See our web page on Implants.
When patients are housebound either in their own home or in an aged care facility, visits can be arranged for some dental treatments. Carers should use electric toothbrushes for ease and access and dentures must be cleaned after all meals.
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