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Frequently
Asked Questions > Elderly Patients
| ELDERLY PATIENTS
- FAQs |
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Q: Am
I certain to lose my teeth?
A: No. With the right home care
and help from your dentist and hygienist,
it is possible to keep your teeth for
life.
Gum disease and tooth decay can be prevented
whatever your age. |
ELDERLY PATIENTS |
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Q: What particular problems may be
involved?
A: Your gums may recede (shrink back) as you
get older, and your teeth may become a little
more sensitive as a result. Your dentist or
hygienist will be able to show you the best
brushing methods to keep any gum problems
under control, and may suggest a mouthwash
to deal with the sensitivity.
Normal cleaning may become more difficult
if you have problems with your hands or arms,
or if your eyesight is less than perfect.
Again, you can get help and advice on the
best aids to use. A magnifying mirror and
a good light, and brushes with handles that
are easy to hold are often helpful.
If you have lost some teeth in the past, and
have fixed or removable bridges or dentures,
you may have particular cleaning needs and
difficulties which your dentist or hygienist
can help you with.
Some people take regular medication that makes
their mouths dry. Saliva helps to protect
teeth against decay, so if you have less saliva
than usual ask your dentist for advice. Or
you can get special products, including artificial
saliva, over the counter in most chemists.
Q: Should I expect to have problems
with my gums?
A: Gum problems are caused by a build up of
bacteria called ‘plaque’, which
forms constantly on your teeth and gums. It
is important to remove this plaque to avoid
gum inflammation. If the plaque is not removed,
the gum inflammation will, in time, affect
the bone under the gums. This bone supports
the tooth roots, so your teeth may gradually
become loose.
Q: How do I know if I have gum disease?
A: As it is often painless, many people may
not know that they have gum disease. Some
common signs are: gums that bleed when brushed;
teeth that are loose; receding gums and bad
breath. Not everyone has all these signs.
You may only have one.
Q: Can I still get tooth decay?
A: Yes. The same dental plaque that causes
gum inflammation can cause decay, particularly
when combined with sugary foods and drinks.
There is a particular risk of decay at the
gum edge when the gum has receded, as the
‘neck’ of the tooth is not protected
by enamel.
Q: How can I prevent gum disease and
tooth decay?
A: Thoroughly remove plaque from your teeth
(and dentures) at least twice a day. Use fluoride
toothpaste. There are many special toothpastes
on the market, including tartar control and
total care toothpastes. Look for the BDHF
accredited products, which are clinically
proven to meet any claims made on the packaging.
Do not have foods and drinks containing sugar
between meals. Sugar is most harmful to teeth
if eaten or drunk often. Visits your dentist
and hygienist regularly.
Older people are often prescribed medicines
and tablets that can cause a dry mouth as
a side effect. Decay can happen more quickly
in a dry mouth. If this applies to you, you
need to be especially careful. Many people
find that sucking boiled sweets or sipping
drinks throughout the day helps. However it
is not a good idea to keep eating or drinking
sugary substances. Ask your dentist for advice.
Q: What do I need to clean my teeth
properly?
A: You need a small-headed, medium –textured
toothbrush and a fluoride toothpaste. To help
clean between your teeth you could use an
interspace brush, tape, woodsticks or floss.
People with arthritis may find it difficult
to grip a toothbrush handle, but you can get
handle adapters. Electric toothbrushes are
also ideal for people with limited movement.
The handles are thicker and easier to hold
and the oscillating head does most of the
work. There are many products available, and
your dentist or hygienist can help you decide
which are best for you.
Q: How do I know if I have removed
all the plaque?
A: Plaque can be sustained with food dye painted
on your teeth with a cotton bud, or with special
‘disclosing tablets’ from the
chemist.
This stain is harmless and shows any areas
of your mouth, which need closer attention.
Look particularly where the teeth and gums
meet. A further brushing will remove the stained
plaque.
Q: If I do lose my teeth, how long
do I have to wait until I can have my dentures?
A: With planning, dentures can be fitted the
same day. These dentures will need to be seen
and adjusted by the dentist within 6 to 12
months because the gums will alter in shape
after your teeth are removed. If you have
partial dentures, it is also important to
remember to clean your natural teeth as well
as your dentures.
Q: How long do dentures last?
A: Dentures are likely to need replacing every
five years, because the shape of the mouth
continues to change throughout life. Often
changes are slow and denture wearers become
skilful at keeping their dentures in place.
Many people are using ill-fitting and broken
dentures, which should have been replaced
years ago. Pain or discomfort from ill-fitting
dentures can often be eliminated or reduced.
It is sensible to keep up your regular dental
check ups at the intervals agreed with your
dentist. This will make sure that your mouth
remains healthy. Many serious conditions can
first be detected in the mouth.
Q: Should I keep my old dentures?
A: Yes- they can give the dentist valuable
information when making a new set of dentures.
Q: Is getting used to dentures difficult?
A: Most people manage to adapt well. However,
you may experience
- sore spots. If so, go back to your dentist.
- speech problems. These should settle quickly.
If not, go back to your dentist and explain
the problem.
- eating problems. You can keep these under
control by eating soft foods and cutting food
into small pieces until you gain confidence.
This may take time.
Certain medical conditions such as a stroke,
Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis
and Alzheimer’s disease can cause extra
difficulty for people getting used to new
dentures, and they may need specialist help.
Some people find that using a denture fixative
in the early stages gives them extra security.
Q: When should I wear my dentures?
A: Your mouth will need a rest from wearing
dentures and the dentist is likely to suggest
that you leave them out at night. If this
is not possible, try to find a few hours at
another time when it is more convenient to
you. Be extra careful with denture hygiene
at all times. Always put your dentures in
cold water when they are not in your mouth
to prevent warping.
Q: What causes mouth ulcers?
A: Ulcers can be caused by broken teeth, poorly
fitting dentures or sharp pieces of food.
Once the cause is removed, ulcers should heal
within 2 weeks. If you notice an ulcer, which
does not heal, see your dentist straight away.
Q: How do I clean my dentures?
A: Clean your dentures over a basin of cold
water to avoid damage if they are dropped.
Thoroughly clean all surfaces with toothpaste
or a denture cleaner and a small toothbrush.
Once a day is enough. Soaking alone is not
enough as this only loosens debris. It is
best to loosen any debris, then soak the dentures
in a denture cleaning solution. Finish with
a final brush using a toothbrush and toothpaste.
If you notice a build up of stain or scale,
have you dentures cleaned by your dentist
or hygienist.
Q: What if my denture breaks?
A: Broken dentures are repaired free of charge
on the NHS. If your denture breaks more than
twice in the same place, it is probably because
it no longer fits properly and may need to
be ‘re-lined’. In either case,
contact a dentist.
Q: Should I use a fixative?
A: For short periods of time or special occasions,
when extra confidence is needed, denture fixatives
are useful. After use make sure that you remove
all traces of fixative from both the denture
and your mouth. In the long term, if dentures
feel loose it is better to get advice from
your dentist.
Q: How much will treatment cost?
A: Costs will vary according to the treatment
you need and whether it is carried out under
the NHS or not. The dentist should give you
an estimate before starting. If you are uncertain
what the treatment what the treatment involves,
the dentist will be happy to explain it again.
You can get a leaflet that explains NHS dental
charges and confirms who is entitled to free
dental treatment or help towards costs, from
the DSS office, your doctor or dentist. If
you have any doubt, ask your dentist.
Q: What if somebody is housebound?
A: Many dentists are happy to visit people
at home and provide treatment there. There
is no extra charge for this service to NHS
patients. Ask your dentist for details or
contact your local Community Dental Service
(through your local health authority) who
may be able to help. |
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of the dentist? Our Leeds dentist
provides sedation for nervous dental patients. |
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