Is Loosing Teeth Inevitable?

No. With the right home care and help from our dental team, it is possible to keep your teeth for life. Gum disease and tooth decay can be prevented whatever your age.

What Particular Problems May Be Involved?

Some gum recession may occur as you get older, and the teeth may become a little more sensitive as a result. We will be able to advise you on the best brushing methods to keep any gum problems under control, and may advise a mouthwash or toothpaste to deal with the sensitivity. Fluoride gel may be recommended to help protect vulnerable root areas. Normal cleaning may become rather more difficult if your manual dexterity is reduced or if your eyesight is less than perfect. Again, particular help and advice will be needed for the best aids to use - a magnifying mirror and a good light together with brushes that have handles which are easy to hold are often helpful. If some teeth have been lost in the past, and have been replaced with either fixed or removable bridges or dentures, there may be particular cleaning needs and difficulties which we can help with. Some people take regular medication, which makes their mouths dry. Saliva helps to protect teeth against decay, so if you have less saliva than usual ask us for advice. Alternatively, special products including artificial saliva are available over the counter in most chemists.

Should I Expect To Have Problems With My Gums?

Gum problems are caused by a build-up of bacteria called dental 'plaque', which forms constantly on the teeth and gums. It is important to remove this plaque in order to avoid gum inflammation. If the plaque is not removed the gum inflammation will, in time, affect the bone under the gums which supports the tooth roots and your teeth may gradually become loose.

How Do I Know If I Have Gum Disease?

As it is often painless, many people may be unaware that they have gum disease. Some common signs are: gums that bleed when brushed; teeth that are loose; receding gums and bad breath. Not everyone has all these signs. You may have only one.

Can I Still Get Tooth Decay?

Yes. The same dental plaque which causes gum inflammation can cause decay, particularly when combined with sugary food and drinks. There is a particular risk of decay at the gum edge when there has been some gum recession as the 'neck' of the tooth is not protected by enamel.

How Can I Prevent Gum Disease and Tooth Decay?

Thoroughly remove plaque from your teeth (and dentures) at least twice a day. Use dental tape or interdental brushes to clean the areas between the teeth.

• Use a fluoride toothpaste.
• Avoid foods and drinks containing sugar between meals. Sugar is most harmful to teeth if consumed frequently.
• Regular dental health reviews and maintenance cleaning with the hygienist.

Older people are often prescribed medicines and tablets, which can cause a dry mouth as a side effect. Decay can occur more quickly in a dry mouth. If this applies to you, you need to be especially careful. Many people find that sucking boiled sweets or sipping drinks throughout the day helps, however, prolonged exposure to sugary substances is not advisable. Please ask for advice.