Cavity Prevention, Denture Relines and More in Edmonton
You are never too old to have healthy teeth and gums, and you do not have to lose your teeth as you get older. If you do lose one or more teeth you can have them replaced with either a full denture, partial denture or an implant supported denture. Our team will always help select the best option for you. From cosmetic repairs to denture relines, our Edmonton clinic specializes in maximizing your overall comfort.
Reasons for Tooth Loss
Gum Disease
Gum disease is one of the main dental problems adults face. Here are some things you should know about gum disease.
- It is usually painless
- It is more common in middle age than in old age
- Most of the time it happens slowly. If gum disease goes too far, you may find your teeth get loose
Cavities
There are 2 main reasons why adults get cavities:- The fillings in your teeth are not as smooth as the surface of your natural teeth. Tiny bits of food and germs (bacteria) can get stuck at the edge of a filling. This can cause a cavity. Also when a filling breaks the part of the tooth that is no longer covered is more likely to get a cavity.
- Years of brushing your teeth too hard and/or grinding your teeth can make your gums recede, or pull away from your teeth. Getting older can also make your gums recede. When your gums pull away from your teeth, the roots of the teeth are out in the open. Roots do not have a hard, outer layer (enamel) to protect them, so they are more likely to get cavities.
Regular checkups along with regular brushing and flossing are the most important things you can do to keep your teeth in good shape. A yearly visit to the dentist is recommended. If you do happen to wear a denture, remember, even the best fitting denture is only a prosthetic replacement for your missing teeth.
Common Problems Seniors Have with Brushing and Flossing
If you find it hard to hold your toothbrush because you have arthritis, or some other health condition, you can;
- Make the toothbrush handle bigger by wrapping a sponge around it
- Make it bigger with layers of tin foil
- Put a bicycle handle grip around the toothbrush
- Use an electric brush
If you find flossing hard, or if your fingers get in the way, try these tricks:
- Use a plastic floss holder (ask you denturist or drug store clerk about this)
- Try dental tape; it is wider and easier to hold onto than floss
Our office offers some very effective professional strength fluoride rinses and brushing gels that can be used to reduce the number of cavities you get. They are also effective in:
- Re-mineralizing tooth enamel
- Strengthening weak teeth
- Helping to prevent root cavities
- Hardening decalcified surfaces
- Replacing the calcium and phosphate ions normally supplied by saliva
These products are beneficial for patients affected by any of the following:
- Dry mouth (xerostomia)
- Chemotherapy
- Advanced age
- A disability
- Badly decalcified surfaces
- Rampant tooth decay
- Cavities in their early stage
- Orthodontic brackets or appliances
- Hypersensitivity
- Periodontal disease
- Not getting enough fluoride
Book your checkup with us today.
