Taking care of your teeth and mouth

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Healthy teeth and gums make it easier for you to eat well and enjoy good food. Several problems can affect your oral health, but good care should keep your teeth and gums strong as you age.

Tooth wear

Teeth are covered with a hard, outer coating called enamel. Every day, a thin film of bacteria called dental plaque builds up on your teeth. Bacteria in plaque produce acids that can damage enamel and cause tooth decay. Brushing and flossing your teeth can prevent tooth decay, but once a cavity forms, to prevent further damage, the dentist must fix it with a filling.

Use fluoride toothpaste to protect your teeth from tooth decay. If you are at higher risk for tooth decay (for example, if you have tooth decay dry mouth due to a condition you have or medication you are taking), you may need more fluoride. Your dentist or dental hygienist may give you fluoride treatment during an office visit or may tell you to use a fluoride gel or mouthwash at home.

Gum disease

Gingivitis begins when plaque builds up along and below your gum line. Plaque causes an infection that damages the gums and bone that hold your teeth in place. A mild form of gum disease can make your gums red, tender and more likely to bleed. This problem, called gingivitis, can often be corrected by brushing and flossing every day.

A more serious form of gum disease, called periodontitis, must be treated by a dentist. If left untreated, this infection can lead to pain, bleeding gums, painful chewing problems, and even tooth loss.

To prevent gum disease:

• Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
• Floss regularly.
• Visit your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings. Tell the dentist about any medical conditions you have and medications you are taking.
• Eat a well-balanced diet.
• Stop smoking. Smoking increases the risk of gum disease.

How to clean your teeth and gums

There is a right way to brush and floss. Every day:

• Brush your teeth gently on all sides with a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste. Replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months.
• Use small circular motions and short back and forth motions.
• Brush carefully and gently along your gum line.
• Lightly brush your tongue or use a tongue scraper to keep your mouth clean.
• Clean between your teeth with dental floss, dental floss, water floss, or a similar product. This removes plaque and food debris that a toothbrush can’t reach.
• Rinse after flossing.

People with arthritis or other conditions that limit hand movement may have difficulty holding and using a toothbrush. Some helpful tips are:

• Use an electric or battery-operated toothbrush.
• Buy a toothbrush with a longer handle.
• Secure the handle of the toothbrush to your hand with a wide elastic band.

See your dentist if brushing or flossing causes your gums to bleed or your mouth hurts. If you have trouble with thread, a thread holder can help. Ask your dentist to show you the correct way to floss.

Dentures

Sometimes, false teeth (dentures) are needed to replace severely damaged teeth or teeth lost due to gum disease. Partial dentures can be used to fill one or more missing teeth. Dentures can feel strange at first. At first, your dentist may want to see you often to make sure the dentures fit. Over time, your gums will change shape and your dentures may need to be adjusted or replaced. Be sure to let your dentist handle these adjustments.

Be careful when wearing dentures because it may be harder for you to feel hot foods and drinks or notice bones in your food. When learning to eat with dentures, it may be easier if you:

• Start with soft, non-sticky food.
• Cut your food into small pieces.
• Chew slowly using both sides of your mouth.

Keep your dentures clean and free of foods that can cause stains or odors. Avoid small crunchy foods that can get trapped under dentures and damage your gums. Brush the dentures every day with a denture care product and soak them in water or denture cleaner at night. Be sure to leave them out of your mouth while you sleep to prevent gum swelling.

Dry mouth

Dry mouth occurs when you don’t have enough saliva or spit to keep your mouth moist. It can make eating, swallowing, tasting, and even speaking difficult. Dry mouth may increase the risk tooth wear, fungal infections of the mouth and cavities. Many common medications can cause this problem. For example, medications for high blood pressure, depression, and bladder control problems often cause dry mouth.

There are things you can do that may help. Try drinking water or sugar-free drinks. Don’t smoke and avoid alcohol, caffeine, soft drinks and acidic fruit juices. Avoid spicy or salty foods. Sugar-free hard candy or sugar-free chewing gum that is a little tart can help. Your dentist or doctor may suggest using artificial saliva to keep your mouth moist.

Mouth cancer

Mouth cancer it can start anywhere in the mouth or throat, including the tongue. It is more likely to occur in people over the age of 40. A dental checkup is a good time for your dentist to look for signs of oral cancer. Pain is not usually an early symptom of the disease. Treatment works best before the disease spreads. Even if you have lost all of your natural teeth, you should see your dentist for regular oral cancer screenings.

You can reduce your risk of oral cancer in a few ways:

• Do not use tobacco products such as cigarettes, chewing tobacco, snuff, pipes or cigars.
• If you drink alcohol, do so only in moderation.
• Use lip balm with sunscreen.
• Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are relatively new, and scientists are still learning about their long-term health effects. However, we know that e-cigarette vapor contains cancer-causing chemicals.

Find low cost dental care

Dental care can be expensive. Medicare does not cover routine dental care, and some states limit dental coverage under Medicaid. You may want to check out private dental insurance for seniors. Make sure you know the cost and what services are covered. The following resources may help you find low-cost dental care:

• Some dental schools have clinics where students gain experience treating patients at a reduced cost. Trained dentists supervise students. Visit it NIDCR website for a list of US dental schools and other places that offer affordable care.
• Dental hygiene schools can offer supervised, low-cost care as part of the educational experience for dentists. Check with your local university or college to see if they have a program available.
• Call your county or state health department to find dental clinics near you that charge based on your income. See a list of state oral health programs.
• To locate a community health center near you that offers dental services, visit www.findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov.
• United Way funds may direct you to free or reduced-cost dental services in your community. Call “211” to reach a local United Way chapter or visit www.unitedway.org/find-your-united-way.

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This content is provided by the NIH National Institute on Aging (NIA). NIA scientists and other experts review this content to ensure it is accurate and up-to-date.

Content review: March 13, 2020