Take the Senior Oral Health Test

Teeth are meant to last a lifetime. Brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, and seeing a dentist regularly will help keep your teeth healthy.

Whether you have teeth or dentures, you still need to see a dentist regularly—usually every 6 to 12 months. These dental visits promote good oral hygiene. And your dentist can help spot oral cancers in their early stages, when they are most treatable.

Gum disease is also called periodontal disease. It is an inflammatory disease that affects the soft and hard structures that support the teeth. It’s caused by bacteria in plaque that builds up on the teeth. If untreated, gum disease can cause teeth to loosen and fall out. It also causes bad breath. Brushing your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and flossing daily will remove plaque.

Other suggestions include attaching a regular toothbrush to the hand with a wide elastic band. Or attaching the toothbrush to a sponge or foam ball. If you have limited shoulder movement, try lengthening the toothbrush handle by attaching a long piece of wood or plastic.

Healthy older adults produce as much saliva as younger adults. But dry mouth is a side effect of many commonly prescribed medicines, including high blood pressure medicines, antidepressants, and antihistamines. Some diseases and medical treatments, including chemotherapy, can cause dry mouth. Drink extra water to make up for this. And stay away from caffeine, tobacco, and alcohol, all of which make the mouth dry. Risk for tooth decay is increased with dry mouth. So limit sugary snacks and practice good oral care. Ask your dentist about other steps you can take.

Red or white patches may be a symptom of several oral diseases, including oral or mouth cancer. Other symptoms to have checked are sores that don't heal, blisters, a lump in the mouth, pain or numbness in the mouth, and problems chewing or swallowing. See your dentist, oral surgeon, or healthcare provider.

Denture surfaces can harbor bacteria and fungi (yeast). Use a denture care product. And make sure you brush all the surfaces with it daily. Regular toothpaste is too harsh to use on dentures. Place the dentures in water or a denture cleaning liquid overnight. Also clean your gums, tongue, and roof of your mouth daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush.