Things You'll Need:
- Toothbrush
- Fluoride toothpaste
- Contact information for dentist
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Step 1
Practice good dental hygiene. Brush your teeth twice each day and floss once daily. Since decay on the root surfaces of the teeth usually is more common in the elderly, brush using fluoride toothpaste. Tooth sensitivity can be another problem as a person gets older, as gums naturally recede over time exposing areas of the teeth that are not protected by tooth enamel. Certain medications and diseases like cancer, anemia, diabetes, and heart disease can contribute to tooth problems as well.
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Step 2
Use an electric toothbrush if you have a condition that limits motion. Arthritis in the hands and fingers may make brushing difficult; therefore, you might want to try taping the handle of the toothbrush to a Styrofoam ball to help give you a better grip.
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Step 3
Schedule regular dental check ups to have your teeth examined and professionally cleaned.
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Step 4
Talk to your dentist about dry mouth, a common problem among the elderly, which sometimes is the result of taking certain medications. A decrease in saliva increases the risk of tooth decay. But you can help prevent dryness by drinking plenty of water and cutting back on caffeine and alcohol intake, along with reducing the number of sugary snacks.
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Step 5
Watch for gums that are red, swollen or bleeding. Periodontal disease may cause tooth loss if untreated. Plaque build up that occurs at a faster rate, as we get older can cause gums to pull away from the tooth if not removed. Recent research also indicates that there may be an association between gum disease and osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease in the elderly. Poor diet, ill-fitting dentures and use of tobacco products are other causes of gum disease.
