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 patients become older the teeth are more prone to 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 is reduced. Many medicines also reduce saliva flow.

Treatment and Care

If the patient is able to come to the surgery,  then appointments should be made regularly for thorough cleaning and early detection of decay. Fluoride treatments and root sealings 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 decay results.