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Dental Care For Seniors: Frequently Asked Questions

Seniors are the fastest-growing age group in the U.S., in part because medical advances and preventive care are extending life and the quality of it. As the baby boomer generation ages, the senior population is swelling, along with their interest in maintaining healthy bodies and lifestyles. Good oral health is important to overall health and seniors must stay on top of their dental care. It is now possible to keep natural teeth and good dental hygiene plays a vital role in keeping that smile.

Dental Decay and Gum Disease

Talk to your dentist about the proper care of your teeth. Brushing twice a day and flossing regularly are the most important steps you can take to keep your teeth and gums healthy and maintain that smile. If age is causing your gums to recede, clean your teeth thoroughly, but be careful not to irritate or tear the gums. A receding gum line may also expose sensitive portions of teeth; careful brushing is important, as are toothpastes that offer sensitivity protection. If you have difficulty using a toothbrush or floss because arthritis or a stroke has impaired your agility, ask your dentist to recommend commercial products that will make the tasks easier. Bleeding or sensitive gums, constant bad breath, receding gums, and loose teeth are all symptoms of gum disease, which can hasten tooth loss. If you spot these symptoms, talk with your dentist about them before they cause pain and deterioration.

Watch Your Mouth!

After a lifetime of chewing and biting, many seniors have dentures, bridges, crowns, and, of course, their fair share of fillings. Over time, even the best dental hardware can wear out. If you feel changes in your mouth, particularly when you are eating, brushing, or flossing, bring them to your dentist's attention. You may take medications or have a medical condition that results in dry mouth. Saliva production is important to good oral health: it keeps the mouth moist, washes away food particles, and protects against decay from plaque. Enlist the help of your dentist, and ask about artificial saliva products so that you don't have to worry about giving a big smile.

Maintaining Your Dental Investment

Don't stop caring for your teeth and mouth at this stage of the game! Keeping your teeth healthy means greater comfort and enjoyment as you eat, laugh, and speak. Good preventive care will give you something to really smile about!

Brian J. Gray, DDS, MAGD, FICO

General Dentistry Care: Frequently Asked Questions

Q. When would you consider tooth bleaching?

A. You would consider tooth bleaching if your teeth have yellowed with age or are stained from tobacco, tea, coffee or food.

Q. What are the practical expectations of tooth bleaching?

A. Every case is different, but generally there is a two-shade improvement as seen on a dentist's shade guide. The success rate relies on the types of stain involved, your compliance, and the material and method used.

Q. How long does tooth bleaching last?

A. Depending on your personal habits such as smoking and drinking coffee or tea, tooth whitening should last from one to five years.

Q. Do over-the-counter bleaching products work?

A. Some over-the-counter bleaching products do whiten teeth, but many of the products can damage teeth with extended use or misuse because they are too abrasive or use ill-fitting trays. Some materials contain titanium dioxide that actually put a temporary pigment coating on the teeth. Although small doses of titanium dioxide are considered safe, the net effect is to put a layer of "paint" on the teeth that is soon lost.

Q. What is orthodontics?

A. Orthodontics, also known as malocclusion or “bad bite”, is the branch of dentistry that specializes in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities.

Q. What is an orthodontist?

A. An orthodontist is a dentist who has undergone specialized training to require the advanced qualifications and specialized skills required to give their patients quality treatment.

Q. What causes orthodontic problems?

A. Most orthodontic problems are inherited, but some are acquired.

Q. What is the importance of orthodontic treatment?

A. Orthodontic treatment is important because crooked and crowded teeth are hard to clean and maintain. This may lead to conditions tooth decay, but eventually cause gum disease and tooth loss. Malocclusion (bad bite) can also lead to pain associated with TMD.

Q. What does orthodontic treatment involve?

A. Orthodontic treatment usually involves wearing braces prescribed and designed by the orthodontist. You may feel some tenderness as the teeth start to move. By placing a constant, gentle force in a carefully controlled direction, braces can slowly move teeth through their supporting bone to a new desirable position.

Q. How long does orthodontic treatment take?

A. Generally, orthodontic treatment time with braces ranges from 1 to 3 years. Early treatment procedures may take only a few months. The actual time depends on the growth of the patient's mouth and face, the cooperation of the patient and the how severe the problem is.

Q. How much does orthodontic treatment cost?

A. The actual cost of treatment relies very much on the individual case and depends largely on the length and complexity of treatment.

Q. What toothpaste should your child use?

A. You should use a match-head sized amount of toothpaste. The use of toothpaste should not begin until 2 years of age.

Q. When should you start taking children to see a dentist?

A. It is recommended that children see a dentist by age one and definitely by 16 months of age.

Q. How often should a child see a dentist?

A. It is recommended that the child be seen every six months after the initial examination.

Q. Why is it important to care for primary or baby teeth?

A. It is important to care for primary teeth because they are much more susceptible to tooth decay than the permanent teeth. There are many other reasons.

Q. How are digitized X-rays beneficial?

A. Digitized X-rays reduce the exposure of radiation to the patient, and eliminate the film and darkroom processing within the dental office.