Take the Senior Oral Health Test
"Pack up your troubles in your old kit-bag," the old song goes, "and smile, smile, smile." But older adults may not be ready to offer a toothy grin if they don't get regular dental checkups. Your teeth are important, no matter what your age. Find out how much you know about teeth by taking this quiz, based on information from the National Institute on Aging.
1. All people eventually lose their teeth as they age.
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Teeth are meant to last a lifetime.
2. If you have dentures, you no longer need regular dental checkups.
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Whether you have teeth or dentures, you still need to see a dentist regularly—usually every six to 12 months. Besides encouraging good oral hygiene, your dentist can help spot oral cancers in their early stages, when they are most treatable.
3. The biggest dental problem in older adults is gum disease.
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Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is an infection of the gum that results in loss of the bone that supports 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, as well as being a source of bad breath. Brushing and flossing your teeth properly will remove plaque.
4. Electric toothbrushes are a good option for people with arthritis or other conditions that make it difficult to maneuver a toothbrush.
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Other suggestions include attaching a regular toothbrush to the hand with a wide elastic band, or attaching the toothbrush to a sponge or Styrofoam ball. If you have limited shoulder movement, try lengthening the toothbrush handle by attaching a long piece of wood or plastic.
5. "Dry mouth" is a normal part of aging.
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Healthy older adults produce as much saliva as younger adults. But dry mouth is a side effect of more than 400 commonly prescribed medications, including high blood pressure medicines, antidepressants, and antihistamines. Some diseases and medical treatments, including chemotherapy, can cause dry mouth. Drink extra water to compensate, and avoid caffeine, tobacco, and alcohol, all of which make the mouth dry. Risk for tooth decay is increased with dry mouth so avoid sugary snacks. Ask your dentist about other preventive measures.
6. If you notice white or red patches on your gums or tongue, you should see your dentist.
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Red or white patches may be a symptom of a number of oral diseases including oral or mouth cancer. Other symptoms to have checked are sores that don't heal, blisters, and difficulty chewing or swallowing. You should see your dentist, oral surgeon, or physician.
7. It's important to clean dentures thoroughly at least once a day.
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Denture surfaces can harbor bacteria and fungi (yeast). Use a denture care product, and make sure you brush all the surfaces with it. Place the dentures in water or a denture cleaning liquid overnight. Rinse your mouth with warm salt water first thing in the morning, after each meal and before bed.
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