Help For Dental Problems

It's not the kiddies that have the greatest amount of tooth decay. It's people over 65.

That's because older people produce less saliva that's needed to clean the teeth. According to the American Geriatrics Society's Foundation for Health in Aging, "gums shrink with age, exposing the tooth to decay or infection." Often the elderly have trouble flossing and brushing because of sight and mobility limitations.

Here are some solutions:

1. Visit the dentist yearly.

2. Make sure to floss and brush regularly. An electric toothbrush used properly can help.

3. Have dentures checked and refitted regularly.

4. Moisten a dry mouth.

5. Make an appointment with your dentist or physician if you find red or white spots or sores in your mouth that do not disappear within 2 weeks.

For more on dental care, visit 50somethinginfo.com

Keeping Your Pearly Whites: Advice For Prettier Teeth

Do you ever wonder which toothpaste to buy?

Me too...until I read that the FDA approved Colgate Total and Crest Pro-Health. Both are said to combat gum disease by reducing tartar and gingivitis.

This is also what I learned:

Most over-the-counter whitening agents don't work.

Don't mask bad breath. Get rid of tartar build-up and use an antibacterial toothpaste.

Baking soda is an abrasive. It's not as effective as a fluoride toothpaste.

A little dab will do ya.

Floss at least once a day.

Brush 2+ minutes 2 or more times daily using a soft or electric toothbrush in good condition.

Visit your dentist twice a year.

Protect your teeth.

Pay Attention to Your Roots: Save Your Teeth

Dental care can be a serious issue for 50+.

For appearances sake, bad teeth can age you. Overlooking your teeth can cause gum disease. And long-term neglect puts you on a path to losing all your teeth.

It's important to brush right and at least twice a day, after breakfast and before bedtime. Floss correctly and rinse with a fluoride mouthwash just before you go to bed.

Going to the dentist is just about the last thing any of us want to do. But there are ways to make it more bearable. Practicing relaxation techniques, asking for more pain relief, or signaling to the dentist when you need a time-out may help. Some of the newer dental equipment can reduce the time of the procedure.

Teeth can last forever.

Find a good dentist.