Oral hygiene tips for older people

Looking after your oral health is vitally important at any age. However, as we get older, our bodies change and the way we look after them also must change. Having good oral health can significantly enhance your quality of life, making it possible to enjoy food, speak and smile with confidence. 

Daily oral hygiene for older people

Everyone should be brushing their teeth with a fluoride toothpaste twice a day and cleaning in between their teeth at least once a day. However, hand function decreases with age, especially after the age of 65 years, so some people might find brushing their teeth with a manual toothbrush brush tricky. Instead, opt for an electric toothbrush, as minimal movement is needed. For this reason, flossing may also be difficult, so to effectivity and easily clean in between teeth, use long-handled inter-dental brushes. 

Dry mouth

Many older people experience dry mouth as they age, due to certain medications, treatments, and long-term health problems. Saliva is our body’s defence against tooth decay, so if you have less saliva than usual, you can be more prone to plaque build-up and therefore decay. Take sips of water throughout the day, chew sugar-free gum after meals to help promote saliva flow and ask our hygiene team for any more tips specific to you. 

Sensitive teeth

Your gums may recede (shrink back) as you get older, making your teeth a little more sensitive. Brush your teeth with a toothpaste with sensitivity protection and ask our hygienists with help with this, as we can suggest certain mouthwashes specifically for sensitive teeth and can show you brushing techniques to help keep any gum problems under control.

Caring for dentures 

Poorly-fitting dentures can rub against the gums, causing irritation, inflammation, mouth ulcers, difficulty with eating and embarrassment. If you feel like your dentures are slipping, book an appointment with us. 

Looking after dentures is just as important as your natural teeth to ensure its longevity. Dentures should be brushed daily with a denture care product that is non-abrasive and left in water overnight. Keeping dentures clean avoids stains, swollen gums and bad breath.

Professional dental care 

It is important to have regular dental check-ups with our dentists and hygienists. We can highlight potential problems before they become a bigger issue, screen for mouth cancer, thoroughly clean your teeth and keep tooth decay and gum disease at bay, which is vital especially if you find yourself not able to thoroughly clean your teeth, to your dexterity.